FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 11, 2025

Contact: communications@ri.gop

HONORING THOSE LOST FROM SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2001

“Today, we pause to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001. We honor the thousands of innocent souls lost that day—men, women, and children whose lives were stolen in an instant of unspeakable evil. We also remember the countless first responders, service members, and citizens who have since given their lives or continue to bear the wounds of that day in the years that followed.

Our prayers are with the families who still carry the weight of their loss. Their suffering did not end when the smoke cleared; it continues with every empty chair at the dinner table, every milestone missed, and every memory of what could have been.

September 11th must never be forgotten. It is not just a date in history—it is a reminder of both the fragility of life and the enduring strength of the American spirit. In the days following the attacks, we witnessed an America united—not as Republicans or Democrats, but as neighbors, patriots, and fellow citizens. That unity is the America we need again today.

May we recommit ourselves to that spirit of solidarity. May we never forget those we lost, and may we honor them by building a stronger, freer, and more united nation.

The Republican Party of Rhode Island joins all Americans in solemn remembrance, prayer, and resolve.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 11, 2025

Contact: communications@ri.gop

REPUBLICAN PARTY OF RHODE ISLAND STATEMENT ON THE ASSASSINATION OF TURNING POINT USA’S CHARLIE KIRK

“Charlie Kirk was first and foremost a father, a husband, a brother, and a son. He was also a powerful voice for the conservative youth of America. His loss leaves a gaping void in a decade-long fight to restore traditional values to our nation and to the American family.

To those who would relish in this tragedy or cheer the silencing of a man who built a movement, shame on you. From elected officials who have carelessly stoked hatred to social media influencers who glorify violence, the fingerprints of yesterday’s horrific act are not invisible. We will not let the world forget who helped fuel this climate where political assassinations are now becoming reality.

As Republicans, as Americans, and as human beings, our prayers are with Charlie’s wife, Erika, their two beautiful children, and his parents. We also pray for the law enforcement officers who now shoulder the heavy responsibility of bringing every person tied to this attack to justice.

This is a dark day for our movement and our country. But we will not be silenced.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 10, 2025

Contact: communications@ri.gop

Statement on the shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University

“Today we received the heartbreaking news that Charlie Kirk, a bold advocate for President Trump, free speech, and Christian values, was shot during an event at Utah Valley University.

This was not only an attack on Charlie Kirk, it was an attack on free speech and on the Christian faith he so openly defends. First President Trump was targeted, and now one of his strongest allies. This growing pattern of political violence must stop.

At this moment, our thoughts and prayers are with Charlie, his wife Erika, and their children. We pray for his full recovery, for strength for his family, and for courage for all who continue to stand up for truth in the face of hostility.

As Chairman of the Republican Party of Rhode Island, I condemn this act in the strongest possible terms. We cannot allow violence to silence speech, nor can we allow hatred to intimidate people of faith.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 19, 2025

Contact: Communications@RI.GOP

Statement from RI GOP Chairman Joe Powers: Gov. McKee Chooses Politics Over the Constitution

“Once again, Governor Dan McKee has shown Rhode Islanders exactly why his approval rating is lower than Hunter Biden’s dating standards. Faced with a clear and direct letter from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Governor’s response is not only beneath the dignity of his office, it’s beneath the trust of every Rhode Islander.

When he swore his oath, he promised to defend the Constitution, not selectively, not occasionally, but always. If he is willing to look the other way on something as fundamental as public safety and federal law, then it begs the question: what else is he lying to us about? Our crumbling infrastructure? Our bloated $14 billion budget? The safety of our families?

Him ignoring federal law is exactly how we end up with Assistant Attorneys General who feel emboldened with a sense of entitlement, acting as if they’re above the law instead of enforcing it. That’s not leadership, that’s arrogance.

To be clear, Rhode Island’s local governing body should be willing to work with our federal government to ensure the safety of all Rhode Islanders. It’s time to stop playing politics for personal gain and start putting our citizens first. If Governor McKee refuses to comply with federal law, then the DOJ should take whatever means necessary to enforce it, because the safety of Rhode Islanders and all Americans must come before politics.

President Reagan reminded us that a nation without borders is not a nation at all. Rhode Island’s sanctuary status is a reckless and dangerous policy that puts politics over people. Our citizens deserve a Governor who tells the truth, stands up for law and order, and puts Rhode Island first, not one who ducks, dodges, and deflects while our state slips further into chaos.”

July 9, 2025

Contact: executivedirector@ri.gop

Statement from Chairman Joe Powers on Education Funding and Political Posturing

Warwick, RI — Chairman of the Rhode Island Republican Party, Joe Powers, released the following statement in response to the ongoing discussion surrounding federal education funds and the upcoming press conference hosted by Rep. Seth Magaziner, Mayor Brett Smiley, and Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green:

“It’s my understanding that the administration is reviewing how these funds are being used to support students and our schools. That’s a reasonable step. But let’s not pretend this is just about process. These funds were appropriated by Congress with a clear intent—to improve education. And given the state of public education in Rhode Island, we should all be demanding transparency and results.

I see that Congressman Magaziner, Mayor Smiley, and Commissioner Infante-Green are holding a press conference on this topic. No doubt it will include the usual political theater—complete with blame-shifting toward the Trump administration. They’ll say children are at risk. But let’s be honest: children are at risk—and they’ve been suffering for years under a broken education system that continues to fail them academically.

This is not a future threat. It’s a present-day crisis. Rhode Island students are falling behind in reading, writing, and math. That’s not rhetoric—it’s reality.

Instead of using this issue to score political points, our leaders should be laser-focused on making sure these funds are used for their intended purpose: to get our schools back to basics and our students back on track.”