After yet another political assassination, work on healing the divide

In Minnesota today, we find ourselves shaken once again by a horrific act of political violence — the assassination of Charlie Kirk. We were already reeling from the murder of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the devastating attack at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, where two children were killed while praying and 21 others were wounded.

These tragedies cut across every boundary of political identity, faith and community. They are heartbreaking reminders that we simply can’t continue on this path.

As Braver Angels CEO Maury Giles put it: “It’s on each of us to stop this dangerous cycle of mutual destruction.” He’s right. No matter where we stand on the political spectrum, all of us have a role to play in pulling our country back from the brink. 

Each one of us — by our actions or inactions — either deepens or heals the divide. We’re calling on Minnesotans to take two immediate steps.

• If you know someone who is grieving or fearful in the wake of these tragedies —especially if they see the world differently than you — take a moment to reach out. Listen with care, and acknowledge their pain. Such acts of kindness may matter more than you realize.
• If you hear others celebrating violence, demeaning the other side, or dismissing the suffering of fellow Americans, don’t stay silent. Say clearly: “That is not appropriate.” Setting boundaries for respect in our own circles is one of the most powerful steps we can take.

Minnesotans — and Americans everywhere — stand at a crossroads. We can either resign ourselves to escalating violence and division, or we can choose to take a different path.  Let’s commit to what we can do: pause before blaming “the other side” — choose restraint to halt the cycle of vengeance. Ditch apocalyptic warnings that glorify violence as heroism. And be an example of showing care and respect to others who think differently. This does not mean agreement, but that there is value in each of us.

As Giles reminds us, our republic endures profound divides if we reject enemies and embrace dialogue. The choice is now: let’s build bridges, rather than creating divides between our fellow Minnesotans and Americans. Act together — our democracy demands it.

Finally, we must rebuild relationships across our divides. That means breaking the bonds of our political “tribes” and engaging in regular conversations with people who think differently.

Braver Angels offers many ways to do this — through workshops, local chapters (we call them alliances), public debates, 1:1 conversations and even film and book discussions. These programs are not about pretending differences don’t exist. They are about facing those differences with honesty, respect and a commitment to our shared future.

Melinda Voss (who leans Blue) and Scott Schluter (who leans Red) are the co-chairs of Braver Angels Minnesota. For opportunities to connect with others, go to: mn.braverangels.org. 

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