Vice President JD Vance launched a blistering attack on California Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing him of fueling hostility toward police and federal agents through reckless political rhetoric.
His comments followed a string of violent incidents targeting law enforcement, including the Dallas ICE shooting where shell casings were marked with the words “ANTI ICE.”
“If your political rhetoric encourages violence against law enforcement, you can go straight to hell and you have no place in the political conversation,” Vance said, according to Hindustan Times.
The Vice President didn’t hold back, stressing that political words carry real consequences.
Vance pointed the finger at Newsom and other Democratic leaders who have long criticized ICE and backed California’s sanctuary policies. Fox LA noted that Vance directly tied their remarks to the Dallas shooting, blaming their rhetoric for emboldening extremists.
“Words matter,” Vance warned. “When leaders demonize police and ICE officers, they’re effectively giving radicals permission to act.”
Conservatives say they see a clear link between progressive messaging and rising attacks on law enforcement. Yahoo News reported that many Americans echoed Vance’s frustration, agreeing that political leaders must take responsibility for the tone they set.
“There is no excuse for encouraging attacks on officers,” Vance added. “Those in power must be held accountable for the environment they create.”
Critics argue that Newsom’s policies have fostered a culture of impunity in California, emboldening criminals while undermining law enforcement. Vance agreed, pointing to repeated statements from the governor that he claims embolden radicals.
During a press briefing, the Vice President underlined the stakes: “California’s leaders cannot continue to play politics while officers are targeted in the line of duty.”
Vance also warned that left-wing rhetoric often goes beyond criticism and drifts into tacit approval of violence. “When you publicly denounce those who enforce the law, you make them targets,” he said.
Conservative outlets widely amplified his remarks, praising Vance’s uncompromising tone. He insisted this debate isn’t about partisanship but about safeguarding those who serve.
“This is not about politics; this is about protecting the people who protect us,” Vance said.
He also condemned violent protests in California, saying leaders cannot encourage chaos and then claim innocence when violence erupts. “Leaders must be responsible for the tone they set,” he concluded.
