Trump Visit Called “Defining Moment,” Republican Lawmakers Call For “Peaceful Assembly”

On Monday, a handful of Republican legislators called on Arizonans to “uphold the 1st Amendment rights of freedom of speech and peaceful assembly” in anticipation of President Donald Trump’s rally in Phoenix on Tuesday. Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone tweeted that the visit was a “defining moment” and called for peaceful protest.

While the vast majority of Republican lawmakers avoided the subject, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, and Congressman Raul Grijalva, both Democrats expressed their objections to the visit.

Representatives Bob Thorpe, David Cook, Anthony Kern, Kevin Payne, Mark Finchem, Noel Campbell, Paul Mosley, Becky Nutt, Darin Mitchell, and Jay Lawrence issued the following statement:

“Arizonans should be honored whenever the President of the United States chooses to visit our Great State, irrespective of whether they are a Republican or Democrat. It is truly disappointing that Democrat Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton has asked President Trump not to speak to his Arizona constituents in the city and that liberal Democrat Congressmen Raul Grijalva plans to protest the speech, rather than listen to it.”

“Our nation truly needs unity, jobs, healthcare freedom, and a strong economy, not polarizing partisanship or political intimidation. Emotions will no doubt run high on Tuesday, and potential violence could endanger the lives of our citizens, their businesses, and the safety of our law enforcement officers. We urge all participants to remain peaceful, to treat one another with civility, to uphold the 1st Amendment rights of freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, and to welcome President Trump with respect for the office that he was duly elected to by our nation.”

Phoenix District 7 Councilman Michael Nowakowski stated, “In anticipation of tomorrow’s visit by President Trump, we have seen a fine example of the Team Phoenix approach with multiple public safety agencies coming together to protect our city. We ask all residents to be a part of this team by respecting each other’s freedom of speech, even if those views do not reflect our own. Throughout these events, our top priority will be the safety and protection of our residents.

“If you are planning on attending any of the events, we ask you to obey the direction of our law enforcement. While individuals are free to express their freedoms of speech and assembly, understand there will be zero tolerance for any violence or malicious conduct,”said Nowakowski.

“As a parent of six children, I am asking all parents to make sure you know where your children are tomorrow evening,” continued Nowakowski. “If they do plan on attending any of the rallies, please ensure they respect all officers and adhere to their directions.”

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