‘Violence Is Never the Answer, But…’ [WATCH]

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) is under fire for comments made during interviews with HuffPost and MSNBC regarding the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Critics argue her remarks appeared to rationalize, if not justify, the public’s anger toward the healthcare system in the wake of Thompson’s murder.

During an interview with MSNBC, Warren stated, “Violence is never the answer. This guy gets a trial who’s allegedly killed the CEO of UnitedHealth. But you can only push people so far. And then they start to take matters into their own hands.”

Sen. @ewarren on the UnitedHealth murderer: “Violence is never the answer. This guy gets a trial who’s allegedly killed the CEO of UnitedHealth. But you can only push people so far. And then they start to take matters into their own hands.” pic.twitter.com/xgtBPqDE0Y

— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) December 11, 2024

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Her comments have sparked criticism for including a “but” in the context of condemning violence, which many found troubling.

Warren echoed similar sentiments during her HuffPost interview on Tuesday.

When asked about the hostile response to Thompson’s death, including celebratory social media posts, Warren said, “The visceral response from people across this country who feel cheated, ripped off, and threatened by the vile practices of their insurance companies should be a warning to everyone in the health care system.”

She continued, “Violence is never the answer, but people can be pushed only so far. This is a warning that if you push people hard enough, they lose faith in the ability of their government to make change, lose faith in the ability of the people who are providing the health care to make change, and start to take matters into their own hands in ways that will ultimately be a threat to everyone.”

Elizabeth Warren should be impeached and ejected from the US Senate pic.twitter.com/6bqk37AEfG

— PhotographicFloridian (@JackLinFLL) December 11, 2024

Critics argue that Warren’s remarks seemed to imply that public outrage over perceived injustices in the healthcare system could lead to acts of violence, raising concerns that she was offering an excuse for such behavior.

Her focus on attacking billionaires and corporations as part of the “deal” of the country also drew ire.

She claimed the deal was that the wealthy would “pay more” while others would get a “chance.”

“There should be no ‘but’ there,” critics stated in response to Warren’s remarks. “No unhappiness about insurance justifies murder.”

After facing significant backlash for her comments, Warren issued a clarification to HuffPost. “Violence is never the answer. Period,” she said. “I should have been much clearer that there is never a justification for murder.”

While the clarification aimed to quell criticism, many found it insufficient.

Critics argue that Warren’s original remarks reflect a broader problem with radical rhetoric on the left that has been rejected by voters in recent elections.

America has lots of problems, but if you’re going with “Of course that rich Ivy League grad in the richest country ever shot that CEO who was vaguely connected to his problems, he could only take so much before he snapped” then you truly could justify anything anytime against…

— Benjy Sarlin (@BenjySarlin) December 11, 2024

Her focus on vilifying the wealthy and corporations, they argue, is out of step with the public’s desire for more pragmatic solutions.

Warren’s comments come amid heightened tensions surrounding healthcare and corporate practices, with some on the left expressing frustration over perceived inequities.

However, many have called for responsible rhetoric, emphasizing that no frustration or dissatisfaction justifies acts of violence.

The shooting of Brian Thompson and the subsequent reaction on social media have added fuel to the ongoing debate over public discourse and accountability.

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