Interfaith Alliance Condemns Political Violence and Defends the First Amendment

Last week, Interfaith Alliance signed two important letters demonstrating our commitment to opposing all political violence and supporting free speech. In the wake of the unacceptable murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the Trump administration has announced a crackdown on progressive nonprofits and philanthropic institutions. To protect movements working across diverse issue areas and communities, we reiterate our commitment to working nonviolently and supporting the First Amendment right of organizations to speak out and advocate for the civil rights of all communities. 

The Oxfam letter states: 

“We the undersigned unequivocally condemn the murder of Charlie Kirk and all forms of political violence. There is simply no place for such actions in the United States.

Political violence has targeted those of every political persuasion and of no political persuasion. It is un-American and wrong to use this act of violence as a pretext for weaponizing the government to threaten nonprofit and charitable organizations, other perceived adversaries, or any class of people. They did not commit this murder, and the vast powers of the government should not be abused to threaten their constitutionally-protected free speech and other rights.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations support critical services to our nation – working with faith communities, caring for vulnerable populations, upholding the Constitution, defending the rule of law and much more. Attacks on nonprofits and charities threaten that essential work happening everywhere across our country.

We implore the government to cease its escalation of political division, and stop the unjustified targeting of organizations and people in the wake of this terrible act of political violence.

This moment of tragedy does not call for exploiting a horrific act to further deepen our divides and make us less safe. It calls for unity–unity against violence and unity of purpose as Americans.”

The Leadership Conference letter states:

“Whether we’re Black, White, Brown, Latino, Asian, Arab, or Indigenous, Native or newcomer, LGBTQ+or not, disabled or not, and regardless of faith, we believe in the freedom to speak out against injustice, organize for change, and fight hate and discrimination through peaceful means. It is not just a right, but a duty to the communities we represent. That’s why civil rights groups have criticized acts of this administration and denounced offensive and dangerous rhetoric. 

This administration has made clear its intent to protect discrimination over civil rights and use any opportunity to silence dissent and target nonprofits that oppose its policies. It attacks philanthropic institutions, unions, teachers, and universities that support diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, the freedom to protest and to learn our history. We cannot be silent as they turn government power against our rights.

We continue to unequivocally condemn all forms of violence, including political violence, as our communities have long been targets of white supremacists’ hatred.  America’s civil rights movement is rooted in nonviolence – as championed by Dr. King and Bayard Rustin—from the Montgomery Bus Boycott and  the March on Washington to today’s fight for equal opportunity for all. 

Our communities face the highest rates of hate and violence –including anti-Arab, anti-Asian, anti-Black, anti-homeless, anti-immigrant, anti-Latino, anti-LGBTQ+, anti-Muslim, antisemitic, and gender-based violence— and this administration’s actions and rhetoric have only intensified the dangers of hate crimes and violence by militarizing our cities, demonizing these communities, and enabling mass raids based on race and immigration status.

In an effort to silence opposition, the administration now also threatens to designate civil rights groups as “domestic terrorists,” revoke their non-profit  status, and launch criminal investigations. But no group or individual should be considered a “criminal” for documenting hate incidents, protecting vulnerable communities, and pursuing justice through courts and legislation rather than violence.

The First Amendment protects our right to assemble, petition our government, and speak truth to power. These are not privileges—they are fundamental rights. Our strength has always come from unity built on freedom, not fear; on debate, not silence. When an administration seeks to stifle dissent, it rejects the very spirit that carries this nation forward. That’s why we:

• Call on Congress to reject these attacks and publicly defend organizations exercising their constitutional rights, 
• Call on our allies to speak up now, because in unity, there is strength, and 
• Call on all Americans to recognize this attack for what it is: an assault on the institutions that protect all our rights.

Further attacks will only strengthen our conviction—a conviction driven not by greed, power, or envy, but by the fundamental belief that all people, regardless of race or identity, deserve equality, fairness, and dignity.”

Zev Mishell is the National Programs Associate at Interfaith Alliance.