In a recent discussion with conservative radio host Garret Lewis, Representative Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ) discussed the aftermath of the White House Correspondents' Dinner, which marks the third attempt on President Donald Trump's life.
During the interview, Rep. Hamadeh said that lawmakers "have got to be bold" in the face of political violence.
Rep. Hamadeh called out the reactions of former President Barack Obama and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to the shooting. Notably, when White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blamed Democrats for incendiary rhetoric leading up to the attack, Rep. Jeffries accused her of overlooking "MAGA extremists."
The Republican National Committee has similarly blasted Arizona Democrats running for Representative David Schweikert's (R-AZ) seat for their own previous comments, accusing them of refusing to speak on the attack.
"The ability for these communists to try to alter reality is absolutely frightening," Rep. Hamadeh told Lewis about Rep. Jeffries' comments. He added that it is "uncomfortable knowing that a good chunk of our county has been radicalized enough to want to and wish upon death of their political opponents."
The Arizona congressman noted that he has "a full-time protection detail," referencing the September murder of Charlie Kirk and numerous death threats he alleges to have received.
Hamadeh echoed Trump's remarks that being an elected official is dangerous, adding, "We have got to do it, because we are fighting for the country we love, and we cannot let these lunatics— because that is what they are, they are crazy people, they are absolutely crazy."
"That is why, if we live our lives in fear, like how the shooter wants us to, that is when they ultimately win," Hamadeh said. "We cannot. We have got to be bold, we have got to be courageous, and we have got to fight them head-on. That is what I intend to do."
