Vance denounces anti-law-enforcement rhetoric after Dallas ICE shooting
Sen. JD Vance says rhetoric that denigrates police fuels violence as FBI investigates an attack on a Dallas ICE facility; three detainees were shot, two died, shooter died by self-inflicted gunshot
Sen. JD Vance condemned rhetoric that denigrates law enforcement on Wednesday, telling supporters in North Carolina that such talk helps fuel violence after a shooting at a Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility. He told the crowd that political rhetoric encouraging violence against law enforcement has no place in American politics, saying, 'You don't have to agree with my immigration policies. You don't have to agree with Donald Trump's immigration policies. But if your political rhetoric encourages violence against our law enforcement, you can go straight to hell.'
Authorities described the Dallas attack as a 'targeted attack' on ICE. The Department of Homeland Security said three detainees were shot; two died and one remained in critical condition. No ICE officers were injured, and the shooter died of a self-inflicted gun wound, DHS said. Investigators have also found shell casings with anti-ICE messages at the scene, according to DHS. The FBI said it is handling the case as a federal investigation.
Vance pressed for accountability and urged political leaders to curb violence by refraining from dehumanizing rhetoric about law enforcement or opposing policies. 'If you want to stop political violence, stop attacking our law enforcement as the Gestapo,' Vance said. 'If you want to stop political violence, stop telling your supporters that everybody who disagrees with you is a Nazi. Look in the mirror. That's the way that we stop political violence in this country.'
The remarks were made during a stop in North Carolina as Vance remains active on the campaign trail. The incident in Dallas underscores the ongoing political debate over immigration policy and the security of federal facilities, as investigators continue to gather details about the attack. The FBI and DHS said the case remains under investigation, and authorities have not released additional information about the shooter or the detainees. This is a developing story and will be updated.