Political leaders from both parties have tightened security, postponed public events and confronted personal fear in the days since the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, raising fresh concerns about political violence as the nation moves deeper into a contentious election season.
Elected officials described a mix of grief, anger and resolve as they reassessed how to meet voters while trying to protect themselves, their staffs and their families. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who had his home set on fire in an apparent attack five months ago, said the emotional toll of political threats has been profound. “The emotional challenge for me that’s been the hardest to work through is that, as a father, the career I chose, that I find great purpose and meaning in, ended up putting my children’s lives at risk,” Shapiro told The Associated Press. “Make no mistake, the emotional burden of being a father through this has been something that continues to be a challenge for me to this day.”
Some officials canceled appearances out of caution. Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., called off a town hall in Las Vegas, while Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., postponed an event in North Carolina. Organizers of a Young America’s Foundation event featuring conservative commentator Ben Shapiro said they canceled a California appearance out of respect for Kirk and his family. Still, cancelations have been relatively rare, and many leaders said they would continue to hold public events with additional protections in place.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a recent 2026 campaign announcer, said he would not change his public schedule even as he acknowledged that political violence would be on his mind. “It’s never something that completely leaves you, but I don’t think it can be something that debilitates you,” Moore said, adding that leaders should tone down inflammatory rhetoric.
President Donald Trump, who has criticized Democratic rhetoric in the wake of the killing, said during a Fox News appearance that public figures must “go forward” and would not cancel their schedules. The president’s immediate Oval Office remarks after the shooting, which highlighted attacks against Republicans and blamed “the radical left,” drew criticism from some Democrats. Shapiro said Trump “misused the power of an Oval Office address,” and stressed that political violence has affected members of both parties.
Rhetoric on social media and conservative outlets escalated tensions. Elon Musk, CEO of X, posted that “The left is the party of murder,” and warned that “our choice is to fight or die.” Fox News host Jesse Waters said during a broadcast, “They are at war with us. Whether we want to accept it or not, they are at war with us. What are we going to do about it?” A video posted online by a right-wing activist outside Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s home urged followers to “take action.” Officials and law enforcement officials said such declarations have amplified security concerns for public servants and their families.
Local officials and candidates described stepped-up security at events. Uniformed police stood at the entrance of a public park where Democratic New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill met voters. In Illinois, Republican lieutenant governor candidate Aaron Del Mar said GOP campaigns are considering moving events indoors, using metal detectors and conducting background checks on attendees. Democratic Rep. Sherrill’s appearance drew a notable security presence compared with her prior events, reflecting a swift change in how some campaigns and offices plan public engagements.
Individual voters also said the episode has affected their decisions about attending political gatherings. Maira Barbosa, 35, attended Sherrill’s event with her 16-month-old son and said she worried about threats but felt participation was necessary. “If we don’t participate, if we don’t get involved, who is going to represent us?” she asked.
Officials pointed to a recent history of political violence that has already affected lawmakers and public figures. Former Rep. Gabby Giffords was shot while meeting constituents in 2011; Rep. Steve Scalise was shot at a congressional baseball practice in 2017; President Trump was grazed by a bullet while campaigning in Pennsylvania last summer; and, three months ago, the top Democrat in the Minnesota state House and her husband were fatally shot at their home. Those events have prompted lawmakers to reassess personal security, staff protocols and public access.
Some politicians said they fear that escalating rhetoric could spur further violence and urged caution. Moore, an Army veteran, said he refused to view the United States as being “at war with one another” and called for leaders to use their words to lift the nation rather than deepen division. “Resorting to violence is a remarkable sign of weakness,” he said.
Others acknowledged making immediate practical adjustments. Former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said his organization canceled an event out of respect for Kirk’s family. Sen. Gallego and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez said they canceled events to protect constituents and staff. Security measures being discussed across campaigns and state offices include increased law enforcement presence, screening at entrances and changes to event formats.
Law enforcement agencies are working with campaigns and offices to evaluate threats and adapt security plans, officials said. While some leaders insist they will continue to meet voters in public, others have paused appearances to review safety protocols.
The killings have reignited debate over the role of rhetorical escalation from public figures and platforms, and prompted calls from several state and federal officials for political leaders to lower the temperature of public discourse. As the election calendar progresses, officials said they expect an ongoing reassessment of how to balance accessibility to voters with the growing concern for safety.
Associated Press writers contributed reporting from Phoenix, Chicago, Washington and Madison, Wisconsin.