FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 25, 2026

Contact: communications@ri.gop

Rhode Island Republican Party Condemns Violent Rhetoric Following Attempted Assassination of President Trump

WARWICK, R.I. – The Rhode Island Republican Party is deeply thankful that President Donald J. Trump, Cabinet members, and members of the press were unharmed after the failed assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner tonight. We commend the United States Secret Service for their swift and professional actions that protected everyone present. 

It is especially chilling that this attempted assassination occurred at the same building where President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981. This third disturbing attempt on the President’s life is the latest and most serious consequence of years of toxic political rhetoric. It has now become mainstream to engage in inflammatory demonization of the President and conservative voices, labeling them as existential threats to democracy. This has created a poisonous environment that increasingly normalizes domestic political terrorism.

Political violence is a direct threat to the First Amendment because it replaces open debate with fear and intimidation. When citizens or elected officials worry that expressing their views could result in violence or assassination attempts, free speech is effectively silenced. The First Amendment depends on a safe environment where ideas can be debated peacefully, not one where disagreement is settled by bullets. Tragically, the recent attempted shooting of President Trump is the latest reminder that toxic rhetoric and political hatred are eroding the foundational right of every American to speak, assemble, and participate in public discourse without fear.

RIGOP Chairman Allyn Meyers stated: “When political opponents treat the President and conservatives as enemies rather than fellow Americans, they help fuel the hatred that leads to assassination attempts. We must unequivocally reject this toxic climate.”

We thank God that this cowardly attack failed and that President Trump and everyone at the event remained safe. The Rhode Island Republican Party stands firmly in support of strong protection for all elected officials.