First Lady Suzanne Pillen Signs onto Statement Condemning Political Violence

LINCOLN, NE – First Lady of Nebraska Suzanne Pillen has joined a bipartisan group of first spouses of states and territories in signing a statement condemning political violence. The statement was composed in the aftermath of the assassination on Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old political commentator, author and founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA.  His death is the latest incident in which political figures, elected officials and family members have been targeted through threats or attacks, crossing political lines.
 
The complete statement follows:
 
“As First Spouses of states and territories across the country, we are in a unique position to both witness and experience the contempt that has permeated our culture. Today, we stand together—across political backgrounds—to condemn political violence of every kind.
 
The soul of America is corroded every time hateful rhetoric or violence takes root. Peacemakers are needed in every corner of our society, especially in our politics. Our children are watching. They desperately need us to show them a better way.
 
We are committed to seeing every American as a person with inherent dignity and worth. Let us listen more, eliminate hate, and find connection and healing as we seek peace together. Our democracy depends on it, and so does the future of a united America.”
 
Today’s statement was released through the National Governors Association.
 
In addition to First Lady Suzanne Pillen, signatories include: Rode Dunleavy (Alaska), Bryan Sanders (Arkansas), Jennifer Siebel Newsom (California), Marlon Reis (Colorado), Ann Lamont (Connecticut), Lauren Meyer (Delaware), Marty Kemp (Georgia), Jaime Green (Hawaii), Teresa Little (Idaho), MK Pritzker (Illinois), Kevin Reynolds (Iowa), Britainy Beshear (Kentucky), Sharon Landry (Louisiana), Dawn Moore (MD), Joanna Lydgate (Massachusetts), Gwen Walz (Minnesota), Elee Reeves (Mississippi), Claudia Kehoe (Missouri), Susan Gianforte (Montana), Tammy Murphy (New Jersey), Bill Hochul (New York), Anna Stein (North Carolina), Kjersti Armstrong (North Dakota), Fran DeWine (Ohio), Sarah Stitt (Oklahoma), Aimee Kotek Wilson (Oregon), Lori Shapiro (Pennsylvania), Dr. José Yovín Vargas (Puerto Rico), Maria Lee (Tennessee), Abby Cox (Utah), Suzanne Youngkin (Virginia), Colleen Ferguson (Washington), Denise Henry Morrisey (West Virginia), Kathy Evers (Wisconsin), and Jennie Gordon (Wyoming).