Jasmine Crockett White Supremacist Threats Spark Alarm After Trump Calls Lawmakers’ Actions “Punishable by Death”
Rep. Jasmine Crockett says the political climate has become so toxic that it’s now landing on her doorstep. On Thursday, Nov. 20, someone reportedly appeared at the Texas congresswoman’s office making explicit white supremacist threats and hand gestures. Crockett confirmed the incident in a statement posted to social media, where she thanked the U.S. Capitol Police for responding quickly and ensuring her staff’s safety. She stressed that none of this should be treated as normal.
She said the escalation of threats is being encouraged from the highest levels of government. “We’re living in a time where political violence is being fueled from the very top,” Crockett wrote. “When the President of the United States spreads hate and lies, when he targets his political opponents, when he openly calls for the death of sitting Members of Congress, he is putting a literal target on our backs. The President should be committed to unity, not more division.”
Her statement followed a series of posts from President Donald Trump accusing several Democratic lawmakers of “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR” and declaring it “punishable by DEATH!” The comments were a response to a video encouraging U.S. service members not to follow illegal orders.
Trump went further, calling the lawmakers “traitors” who should be arrested and prosecuted, adding that “an example MUST BE SET,” according to BBC reporting. He ended his tirade by sharing a post urging the lawmakers be hanged, with the caption, “HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!”
When questioned, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the president’s stance, suggesting that defying the chain of command “perhaps is punishable by law.”
Crockett said this type of rhetoric is exactly why she employs security. “Some folks have questioned why I need security. This is why. Every time I speak truth, stand up for my constituents, or call out corruption, the threats get louder and more dangerous.”
She said she refuses to back down. “I will not be intimidated. I will not be silenced. I will continue to show up for the people of Texas’ 30th Congressional District. But we cannot pretend that this is normal. When leaders promote hate, hate shows up sometimes right at our door.”
