GOP Senate Hopeful's Remarks on Armed Voter Preparation Raises Concerns of Inciting Violence, Says Sen. Mark Kelly

In a recent interview on NBC's Meet the Press, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) expressed alarm over GOP senate hopeful Kari Lake's suggestion that voters should "strap on a Glock" to prepare for the upcoming election season. Kelly argued that Lake's remarks have the potential to incite violence, describing them as dangerous and warning that they could result in harm or even loss of life.

For Sen. Kelly, the threat of gun violence hits close to home. His wife, former congresswoman Gabby Giffords, survived a gunshot wound to the head in a 2011 assassination attempt in Tucson. The tragic incident claimed the lives of six people and left a dozen others injured.

Lake's controversial comments were made during a campaign rally in Mohave County on April 14. She urged her supporters to arm themselves and be "ready for action" as the election period intensifies. Echoing rhetoric reminiscent of former President Donald Trump, Lake spoke of unspecified enemies and claimed that they would use various tactics against her and her followers. She specifically mentioned arming oneself with a Glock, among other safety precautions.

Lake, known as a devoted supporter of Trump and a promoter of his false claims about the 2020 election, has also made baseless allegations that the 2022 Arizona gubernatorial election was "stolen" from her. Her recent comments, combined with her past refusal to concede other races, have drawn comparisons to Trump's January 6 speech, in which he encouraged his supporters to "fight like hell" before they stormed the Capitol.

Sen. Kelly expressed his concern about the possibility of a local insurrection if Lake were to refuse to concede a loss in the November election. He noted that Lake's repeated claims of election theft and her significant following raised legitimate worries. Even if Lake is not elected, Kelly warned that her words could still incite harm unless she acts responsibly to keep her supporters in check.

The senator emphasized the importance of holding elected officials accountable for their words, especially when they hold leadership positions. Although he expressed doubt about Lake's chances of being elected to the Senate, he urged her to choose her words carefully, considering the potential consequences that they could carry.

The upcoming election season is marked with significant scrutiny and heightened tensions. Sen. Kelly's concerns regarding Lake's rhetoric shed light on the potential risks associated with inflammatory statements made by political candidates. As the campaign season unfolds, it remains vital for candidates to exercise caution and promote responsible discourse to ensure a peaceful and democratic process for all.