Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., claims that Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries is instigating violence against Republican representatives in Congress. This is based on the threat that she herself received.
Luna, an ex-U.S. Air Force officer, made her remarks via social media after hearing Jeffries speak on Fox News and condemn political violence following the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. While some believe that Jeffries’ prior comment calling for “maximum warfare” in redistricting undermines his condemnation, Luna claims that she has experienced firsthand what political violence entails.
“Women in politics are the most targeted for violence, stalking, and harassment,” she said. “I am horrified that Hakeem Jeffries is calling for ‘violence,’ especially against members like myself.”
Moreover, Luna mentioned that she has protection at public events, and someone who threatened to kill her and her young child has been jailed. Therefore, according to Luna, these incidents only increase the severity of Jeffries’ statements.
“The fact that he thinks this is normal is something that should be called out for what it is,” she stated. “Hakeem himself said it’s time to ‘unify,’ and then did this.”
Initially, Luna felt that she and Jeffries could be partners across the aisle, but that opinion has changed since Jeffries’ statements.
“At one point, I thought he could be someone we could work with, but now I see this for what it is: cheap partisan BS that can have very real and deadly consequences,” she wrote. “I condemn your statements, and every single member of Congress should as well. Only ignorance calls for violence.”
Research indicates that female politicians experience more threats, stalking, and harassment compared to male politicians.
The office of Rep. Jeffries did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
