By Congressman Abe Hamadeh |

The government’s first responsibility is to protect its citizens. Public safety is the foundation of every successful society; without it, all else becomes secondary.

Families cannot thrive if they fear for their safety. Businesses cannot grow if crime and disorder dominate communities. Places of worship cannot serve their congregations if worshippers worry about violence. Schools cannot educate effectively if students and teachers feel unsafe.

Unfortunately, America has witnessed an alarming rise in political violence, intimidation, and threats in recent years. What was once considered beyond the pale has become increasingly common. Americans are growing accustomed to hearing about attacks on elected officials, threats against judges, vandalism targeting political opponents, violence directed at law enforcement officers, and harassment aimed at individuals simply because of their political beliefs.

This trend should concern every American, regardless of party affiliation. Political violence has no place in a constitutional republic.

The strength of the United States has always been rooted in our ability to settle disagreements through debate, elections, and the rule of law. Americans have never agreed on everything. Our nation’s history is filled with fierce political disagreements. Yet our system has endured because we recognized that ballots, not bullets, determine the future of our country.

There can be no double standards when it comes to condemning violence. Whether the victim is a Republican, Democrat, Independent, law enforcement officer, journalist, religious leader, or private citizen, violence must be rejected unequivocally. Too often, political actors excuse misconduct when it is committed by individuals they view as allies. That mindset only fuels further division and instability.

Americans deserve better. The overwhelming majority of citizens simply want safe communities where they can raise their families, operate businesses, attend school, practice their faith, and participate in civic life without fear. These are not extraordinary demands; they are basic expectations in a free and civilized society.

Law and order are fundamental values to me, not matters of controversy. Supporting law enforcement is a personal conviction, which is why I am proud to stand with our men and women on the thin blue line.

Yet in recent years, we have seen efforts to undermine respect for law enforcement, excuse criminal behavior, and politicize public safety. While constructive discussions about improving institutions are important, we must never lose sight of the indispensable role that police officers, deputies, federal agents, and first responders play in protecting our communities.

Every day, men and women in uniform put themselves in harm’s way to keep Americans safe. They deserve our gratitude, respect, and support.

At the federal level, we must continue providing law enforcement agencies with the resources necessary to combat violent crime, secure our borders, disrupt criminal organizations, and prevent acts of domestic and international terrorism. We must also ensure that prosecutors aggressively pursue those who commit violent offenses and that the justice system holds offenders accountable.

As Americans, we are blessed to live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. Our freedoms, opportunities, and constitutional system are the envy of countless people around the globe. But those blessings cannot be taken for granted.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, we should recommit ourselves to the principles that have sustained America for nearly two and a half centuries: respect for the Constitution, respect for the rule of law, respect for one another, and an unwavering commitment to peaceful civic engagement.

Political disagreements will always exist. That is part of democracy; violence is not.

The American people deserve safe streets, secure communities, and confidence that their government will protect them. Public safety is not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue; it is an American issue, and it is time for all of us to treat it as an America First issue.

Congressman Abe Hamadeh represents Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.