WASHINGTON, D.C. — Governors Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Spencer Cox of Utah recently came together at the Washington National Cathedral for a high-profile conversation on the accelerating rise of political violence in the United States, urging leaders across the political spectrum to condemn all acts of violence without exception and to restore moral clarity to public life.
The discussion, moderated by TODAY co-anchor and NBC News Chief Legal Correspondent Savannah Guthrie, drew a packed audience as the governors reflected on their own experiences confronting political violence and called for renewed trust in democratic institutions. The event, titled “Choosing a Better Way: Restoring Healthy Political Discourse in America,” centered on the need for steadier leadership and a return to civic norms rooted in dignity and shared humanity.
Shapiro spoke candidly about the attempted assassination attempt at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence in April, describing both the physical danger and the emotional toll on his family. He said the incident shattered any sense of insulation from political threats and left him grappling with guilt over the risks to his wife and children. Still, he emphasized that stepping back from public service was never an option. “You can’t allow that violence to force you off stage,” he said, adding that support from Pennsylvanians helped his family heal.
Cox, who has similarly confronted high-profile acts of violence in Utah, underscored the responsibility of elected officials to set an example in moments of crisis. Both governors argued that selective outrage from political leaders fuels the cycle of violence. “All leaders must condemn all political violence, not cherry pick which violence to condemn and which violence to accept,” Shapiro said. “We have a President of the United States right now that fails that test on a daily basis.”
The event was presented in partnership with Disagree Better, the Wheatley Institute at Brigham Young University, and the National Institute for Civil Discourse—organizations focused on strengthening democratic norms and reducing political division.
Shapiro and Cox also reflected on the role of faith in closing divides, sharing personal stories about how interfaith connections helped sustain them after violent incidents. Shapiro recounted receiving a note from an 82-year-old volunteer fire chaplain who shared a prayer meaningful to both traditions. “There is a universality in our humanity and in our faith,” Shapiro said. “There is more that binds us as Americans than divides us.”
Both governors urged politicians to take cues from ordinary Americans, whom Shapiro described as “doing extraordinary things every single day.” He said the country’s best hope lies not with people holding titles, but with citizens who demonstrate compassion and solidarity in their everyday lives.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.