Orlando, FL: Today, state leaders announced a new portal to report ‘violent extremism’ after Charlie Kirk’s assassination in Utah. Below is Representative Dr. Anna V. Eskamani’s statement in response:
“The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk is a sobering reminder that political violence is unacceptable — no matter who it targets, and no matter the ideology of the perpetrator. Extremism exists across the spectrum, and we should be working together to turn down the temperature of our politics, not continue to elevate it for partisan gain.
Unfortunately, the rhetoric we hear from some state leaders does not bring people together — it fans the flames of division. Just this week, I received a voicemail from Lakeland where I was called a “whore” multiple times, Democrats were referred to as “fags,” and the caller said we should be a “one-party state.” I also received a direct message on Facebook in relation to Charlie Kirk’s death telling me to: “Fuck off leftist, communist bitch. Hopefully you are next.”
These are not isolated incidents. Threats and harassment against elected officials, teachers, and everyday people are becoming too common. What Florida needs is real leadership that protects public safety and our First Amendment rights — not political stunts that silence dissent while ignoring the broader reality of extremism in this country.
We honor those we’ve lost by standing united against violence and by recommitting ourselves to a democracy where ideas, not intimidation, win the day.”