U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Brandon) has called for Americans to unite against political violence, reflecting on recent attacks and the importance of free speech in an op-ed published by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
“Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are more than historic virtues; they are the foundation of our republic,” writes Buchanan in the op-ed. “These core American values are protected and preserved by our Constitution and our First Amendment right to freedom of speech. Americans can speak freely, debate openly and disagree peacefully. Today, that freedom is under attack.”
Buchanan described his concern over a rise in politically motivated violence, referencing incidents such as two assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump, the murder of a Minnesota lawmaker, and most recently, the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
“The heartbreaking assassination of Charlie Kirk while he engaged in public debate has shaken both our nation and our community here in Longboat Key, where Charlie and his family owned a home and frequented,” Buchanan wrote. He praised Kirk as “a patriot, a husband, a father and a man of God” who encouraged young people to participate in open debate.
Buchanan stated that Kirk’s murder “is another horrific example of a dangerous trend: political violence is on the rise in America.” He noted that during his nearly 20 years in Congress he had not seen such levels of political violence as witnessed recently.
“Our nation has endured not one, but two assassinationattempts on President Donald Trump’s life; an arson attack targeting Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family; the murder and attempted murder of Minnesota State Speaker Melissa Hortman and State Sen. John Hoffman; and countless other acts of politically motivated violence,” Buchanan wrote.
He also recalled living through the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy during his youth in the 1960s, describing those events as defining for his generation.
Buchanan urged that current tragedies should not be normalized or dehumanized: “We can’t allow these tragedies to be normalized or dehumanized.”
He referenced commemorating September 11th this week: “This week, we commemorated the anniversary of one of the greatest acts of violence in American history: Sept. 11, 2001.” Buchanan recalled being at Sarasota–Bradenton Airport waiting to meet with President George W. Bush when news broke about the attacks.
“In the days that followed, Americans grieved, but we also came together. We were united not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans. That unity, that resolve, is what we need again today,” he wrote.
Buchanan emphasized that political violence transcends party lines: “Political violence is not a partisan issue; it is an American issue.”
He called for collective action: “We must stand together to say with one voice that political violence has no place in America.”
Buchanan added: “Words matter. The temperature of our rhetoric matters, and it starts with those of us who are public servants.”
“I’m calling on my colleagues, our community leaders and the press to help lower the temperature,” he said.
As a grandfather concerned about future generations’ safety—he mentioned having ten grandchildren ages ten and under—Buchanan stressed preserving free speech over violence for their sake.
“If we stand together and proclaim that free speech will prevail over violence, we can make sure they and all of America’s children inherit a future worthy of them,” he wrote.
He concluded by honoring Charlie Kirk’s legacy: “I pray that Charlie’s legacy of engaging in politics the right way – face-to-face, even with those he disagreed with – continues to inspire future leaders.”
“To the Kirk family and to every family mourning a loved one taken by political violence, know that you are in our prayers.”
“What unites us as Americans is far greater than what divides us.”
Rep. Vern Buchanan currently serves Florida’s 16th district in Congress—a position he has held since replacing Katherine Harris in 2007—and holds leadership roles including vice chairman of the U.S House Ways and Means Committee. He previously chaired both local chambers including Greater Sarasota Chamber. Born in Detroit in 1951, Buchanan lives in Sarasota. He graduated from Cleary University before earning another degree from University of Detroit Mercy.
