Expel Arizona Lawmaker Calling for Political Violence

A sitting lawmaker just called for Rep. Pramila Jayapal to be hanged. This threat cannot be ignored.

Arizona Republican Rep. John Gillette’s remarks crossed the line from reckless to dangerous. By calling for the execution of a member of Congress, he put a target on her back, emboldened extremists, and undermined the very idea of democratic debate. Keeping him in office tells the public that violent threats are acceptable in government.

The Arizona State Legislature must act now. Expulsion is the only appropriate response. 
Anything less normalizes political death threats as just another part of the job.

Tell Arizona state legislators: “Stand up to political violence. Expel Rep. John Gillette for calling for the execution of Congresswoman Jayapal.”

Rep. Jayapal, a woman of color and progressive leader, has already faced armed threats at her home. For an elected official to echo the same violent fantasies is not only unacceptable—it’s a direct threat to her safety and to democracy itself.

We know the cost of ignoring this kind of rhetoric. January 6 showed how quickly words can turn into violence. Election workers and lawmakers across the country are still living with the fallout of constant intimidation. If Gillette faces no consequences, others will see a green light for more threats, more fear, and more violence across the board.

Elected officials must be able to do their jobs without fear of execution. The Arizona State Legislature must act now to defend democracy against those who would destroy it from within.

Sign now to demand the expulsion of John Gillette. Make it clear: violence has no place in our government.

The petition to Arizona state legislators reads: “Stand up to political violence. Expel Rep. John Gillette for calling for the execution of Congresswoman Jayapal.”