CONCORD, N.C. — During remarks Wednesday in Cabarrus County, Vice President J.D. Vance sharply criticized Democrats for what he characterized as escalating and dangerous rhetoric — drawing a line from political talk to violence. His comments came amid fresh reports of a shooting at a Dallas ICE facility earlier Wednesday.
Speaking to supporters in Concord, Vance referenced the Dallas shooting — in which two immigration detainees were killed and another critically wounded — calling the incident a “politically motivated” act by a “violent left-wing extremist.”
“You can go straight to hell,” Vance said, addressing those whose public statements he believed incite violence. “If your political rhetoric encourages violence against our law enforcement, you can go straight to hell.”
Vance also called out Democratic leaders, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, for creating an environment of hostility. Vance also said that “left-wing media” have been inciting attacks against law enforcement.
The vice president also stated that “there is an entire network of left-wing organizations that encourage, that promote, and that apologize for violence,” urging Democrats to start by condemning attacks rather than criticizing political speeches.
According to Fox News, authorities identified the suspected shooter as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, who died from an apparent self-inflicted wound. Three detainees were shot, at least one died, and one is in critical condition at the time of reporting.
The Department of Homeland Security says shell casings found at the scene had anti-ICE messaging, and investigators are treating the attack as “targeted.”
The comments from Vance come as the nation grapples with an uptick in political violence, just days after the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, and amidst a surge in violence against ICE.