U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) recently asserted that "inflammatory rhetoric by the left has to stop," questioning its role in preventing violent acts. The Wisconsin Congressman's statement highlights a recurring theme in his public commentary regarding political discourse and its perceived impact on societal events.
“This inflammatory rhetoric by the left has to stop. Now, did this drive the shooter? We don’t know the answer to that question. But did it prevent him from doing it? Hell no,” Van Orden stated in a recent social media post. His remarks suggest that even without a direct causal link, such rhetoric contributes to an environment where violence is not deterred.
This sentiment aligns with previous statements made by Rep. Van Orden in the wake of other significant events. Following the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in September 2025, Van Orden publicly accused Democrats and the media of "fueling political violence" and being "responsible" for such acts, often before full details of incidents were known. He has also linked "radical and violent rhetoric fueled by far-left Democrats" to other incidents, including an earlier shooting near the White House where he similarly blamed the "inflammatory rhetoric by the left."
Critics have, however, pointed to Van Orden's own rhetoric, with some accusing him of engaging in similar divisive language. After the Charlie Kirk assassination, for instance, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin criticized his "terrifying statements" for "inviting civil war" and "encouraging violence against Democrats and the media." Van Orden's office, conversely, has maintained that such behavior is a "direct result of increasingly radical and violent rhetoric fueled by far-left Democrats who encourage hatred rather than healthy discourse."
The Congressman's comments contribute to an ongoing national debate about the responsibility of political figures in shaping public discourse and the potential consequences of heated rhetoric. This discussion frequently emerges after acts of violence, with various political factions attributing blame to opposing sides for fostering environments conducive to such incidents.