Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said governors have a responsibility to uphold freedom of belief, whether in marriage or religion, but it is up to communities to act through speech rather than violence. The Democratic governor spoke at the 2025 Eradicate Hate Global Summit in Pittsburgh, saying political violence and the hate that fuels it have become commonplace in America’s democracy.
“Think of it, in just the last year or so, we saw it in a field in Butler, Pennsylvania, with the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump,” he said. “We saw it on the streets with the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, the suspect captured in Altoona, Pennsylvania.”
He pointed to the killings in Minnesota, when Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered in the middle of the night.
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“And yes, we saw it last week in Utah with the assassination of Charlie Kirk,” Shapiro said. “Different place, different people, different perspectives, but one common thread.”
Governor targeted in arson attack
Shapiro recalled the night of April 13, when law enforcement alerted his household to a fire at the governor’s residence. The blaze was started by an arsonist who broke in, used Molotov cocktails and wielded a hammer with the goal of killing Shapiro.
“Violence in all forms is unacceptable,” he said. “Political violence is particularly dangerous, not only does it seek to injure, maim or kill, it seeks to intimidate and terrorize and silence.”
Shapiro said political violence affects more than the immediate victims; it tears at the fabric of American society.
“A nation where civil disagreements should be welcomed because we know that discourse can lead to progress,” Shapiro said. “That is how we perfect our union, and that’s what we have done over the last two and a half centuries.”
The importance of free speech and dialogue
He added that open dialogue, where people can express their beliefs and frustrations, is essential, without censorship from the “long arm of government.” Shapiro said the more a person’s right to free speech is restricted, the further society drifts from addressing the violence plaguing politics.
Former President Barack Obama is expected to speak on Tuesday evening in Erie, Pennsylvania, at an event hosted by the Jefferson Education Society. It is unclear if he will focus on political violence like Gov. Shapiro.
Special election in Minnesota
The death of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman in June led to a special election to fill her seat. Voters will choose between four candidates, including Democratic nominee XP Lee and Republican nominee Ruth Bittner, on Tuesday. Erickson Saye and Christian Eriksen, both Democrats, have also filed to appear on the ballot.
Democrats are favored to retain Hortman’s seat, which would maintain an even split in the Minnesota House. Republicans currently hold 67 seats, while Democrats have 66, making the outcome of this election critical for control of the chamber.
Gov. Tim Walz announces reelection campaign
Gov. Tim Walz, D, announced Tuesday that he will seek reelection to continue guiding Minnesota’s progress. In a video posted on X, he highlighted the state’s accomplishments, but also expressed frustration over the number of Minnesotans lost to gun violence.
I’m running for reelection to continue serving as Governor of Minnesota.
— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) September 16, 2025
We’ve made historic progress in our state, but we’re not done yet. I’m staying in the fight — and I need you with me. pic.twitter.com/NsVCXfq4M2
“We can’t lose hope, because I’ve seen what we can do when we work together,” he said.
Walz is seeking a third term after first being elected governor in 2018. In 2024, he ran as vice president alongside Kamala Harris, and the ticket carried Minnesota by about four points. Looking ahead to 2026, Walz will face two Republican candidates, including state Rep. Kristin Robbins and former state Sen. Scott Jensen. Walz previously defeated Jensen in 2022, capturing just over 52% of votes to secure his second term.
