Newsom, Vance clash over political violence rhetoric after Dallas ICE shooting

In the wake of a shooting at a Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility that killed an immigrant detainee and wounded two others, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Republican Sen. JD Vance traded sharp words over political violence and the rhetoric surrounding it. Vance, delivering remarks in Concord, North Carolina, charged that Democrats portray their opponents as part of an "authoritarian government," while left-leaning outlets mischaracterize what law enforcement does. He argued that such framing "encourages crazy people to go and commit violence" and called for ending the verbal assault on law enforcement. "You don't have to agree with my immigration policies ... but if your political rhetoric encourages violence against our law enforcement, you can go straight to hell and you have no place in the political conversation of the United States of America," he said.

ICE officials said no agents were injured in the Dallas incident, and the FBI described the shooting as an act of targeted violence under investigation. The bureau has not released details about the motive or the shooter. A photo circulating on social media showed ammunition from the scene, including one round inscribed with the words "anti-ICE," though authorities did not confirm the image’s authenticity.

Newsom responded on social media to Vance’s remarks, writing, "I will not be going 'straight to hell' today. Though when I watch you speak I certainly feel like I’m already there." A Newsom spokesperson did not provide additional comment beyond the post.

Vance, who has previously drawn national attention for his comments about Donald Trump—at one point warning that Trump could become "America’s Hitler"—used the Concord appearance to urge Republicans and Democrats to stop using the word "Nazi" as an insult, arguing that it trivializes the severity of real fascism.

The exchange sits within a broader national conversation about political violence and accountability in the United States. FBI investigators continue to probe the Dallas shooting to determine whether it was motivated by political animus or other factors. ICE and other law-enforcement agencies have sought to emphasize that the violence was not directed at any single group and that officers were not injured. Analysts say lawmakers are increasingly pressed to address rhetoric that some say could incite violence, even as partisans insist the other side bears responsibility for any violence arising from political discourse.

As the political climate intensifies ahead of elections, Newsom and Vance are among several prominent figures weighing in on whether rhetoric crosses lines that could fuel violence. Officials say such discussions are necessary to ensure public safety and uphold democratic norms, even as partisanship remains deeply entrenched in national politics.