Statement from POPVOX Foundation on Today’s Attack on Congressman Connolly’s District Office
We at POPVOX Foundation unequivocally condemn today’s attack on staff and interns serving in the district office of Congressman Gerry Connolly as a reprehensible act of violence.
Despite escalating threats in recent years, district and state staff work every day to maintain an open, welcoming front door to the First Branch of government in every community. District staff work to secure local grants, track down missing Social Security benefits, untangle VA bureaucracy, expedite delayed passports, build local consensus on tough issues, and so much more. They play a critical role in ensuring that our democracy remains accessible, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all Americans.
We note with particular heartbreak that one of the victims of today’s attack was an intern on her first day with the office—a young person just beginning her journey in public service, and eager to learn and contribute to the work that keeps the democratic process running.
We cannot allow any act of violence or intimidation intended to silence or coerce those who work tirelessly to serve their fellow citizens.
Our thoughts are with all staff and interns on Team Connolly. From the Member to the LAs to the caseworkers to the comms team to the interns answering the phones, we honor your service.
We hope you take the time you need, and please consider us a resource if there is anything we can do to be of assistance while you heal, grieve, and come back stronger than ever.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
