Democratic California Rep. Jimmy Gomez mused about physically assaulting Republicans for sharing viral memes taunting Democratic lawmakers during a press conference on Thursday.
Gomez said he would kick Republicans in the face for sharing AI-generated content of Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wearing a sombrero and a handlebar mustache. When pressed by a reporter whether he should tone down his violent rhetoric following a recent spate of political violence, Gomez doubled down and blamed President Donald Trump. (RELATED: New Alleged Violent Rhetoric Unearthed From Democrat AG Candidate Jay Jones, This Time About Cops)
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“On the attacks regarding the sombreros, I think that those are just completely racist and uncalled for. But every time he does it, I’m going to release a movie poster with him and Jeffrey Epstein,” Gomez told reporters during a press event hosted by the Congressional Dads Caucus. “They fight fire with fire. We’re going to fight fire with fire as well. If they go low, we’re going to kick them in the face.”
“We don’t play by the old rules of ‘they go low, we go high,’” Gomez continued. “That kind of era is way over. So it’s bare-knuckles in this fight.”
Gomez told reporters that he stood by his remarks when asked by a reporter who noted that some individuals could take his threat of physical violence literally. The suspect in the murder of Kirk notably espoused left-wing ideology, according to court documents.
“Donald Trump only responds to one thing: strength,” Gomez immediately replied. “The Republicans only respond to one thing: strength.”
“We’re in a different era and if we Democrats act like we’re not dealing with an opposition that will do anything to get their way, then we’re going to be in the perpetual minority,” Gomez continued. “So, my district, they want me to fight back.”
A spokesperson for Gomez did not respond to the DCNF’s request for comment.
Gomez’s defense of physically threatening GOP lawmakers comes after resurfaced text messages showed Democratic Virginia Attorney General candidate Jay Jones fantasized about murdering a Republican colleague. The Virginia Democrat also wished death upon the lawmaker’s two children over his political views.
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 01: Screens display AI-modified videos of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) that were shared on social media by President Donald Trump in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on October 01, 2025 in Washington, DC. Vice President JD Vance dismissed criticism of the posts, adding, “I’ll tell Hakeem Jeffries right now, I make this solemn promise to you, that if you help us reopen the government, the sombrero memes will stop.” (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
House Speaker Mike Johnson told the Daily Caller News Foundation last week that Democrats’ uproar over the sombrero memes showed they cannot take a joke.
“He’s making himself appear unserious when he’s arguing about a sombrero meme while the government is shut down and people are losing healthcare and vital services,” Johnson said. “They are doing this to themselves. This is not Republicans — these are self-inflicted wounds.”
Gomez was among 58 House Democrats who voted no on a resolution to honor slain Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s life and condemn political violence in all its forms.
Gomez, who represents a downtown Los Angeles district, is notably facing a primary challenge from the left. Far-left activists have sharply criticized him for accepting contributions from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
Andi Shae Napier and Caleb Howe contributed to this report.
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