SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association shared a letter to the public on Tuesday that condemns violence over election results or political motivations.
The letter comes less than three months ahead of the 2024 general election, during which voters will choose Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States, in addition to candidates in several local races.
The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association shared the letter to Facebook on Tuesday, stressing the importance of sharing and listening to different perspectives while also respecting constitutional process without resorting to violence, even amid disagreements.
“We know that our citizens and communities do not support violence as a way of ‘resolving’ conflict because it does not resolve anything, instead, it is perpetuated and replicated,” reads the last paragraph of the letter. “As Chief Law Enforcement Officers of our counties, we believe that no matter what your personal political leanings and beliefs are, violence is never tolerable and can never be accepted.”
The letter remind people of an assassination attempt against Trump this year, though without naming him. One spectator was killed, and two others were critically injured after gunfire at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania last month. Amid the reminder, the letter urges people to reject such acts of violence.
The letter calls for unity, open dialogue and cooperation among citizens to prevent violence.
“The United States and its democratic system have thrived because of the respect we show each other even when we disagree, the tolerance we have for different ideas and the understanding that we are stronger united and weaker divided,” the letter reads.
The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association is a nonprofit that supports and advocates for the interests of law enforcement officers across Illinois.