Dem lawmaker calls for ‘lock her up’ chants to end

Rep. John Delaney (D-Md.) called for “violent” and “dehumanizing” political rhetoric to end on Wednesday, as suspicious packages, including apparent explosive devices, were sent to various Democratic leaders.

Delaney, who in a statement specifically cited the “lock her up” crowd chants that have been directed at former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, thanked the Secret Service and law enforcement for preventing any injuries.

{mosads}He said that “every American, of every political stripe, should be horrified by today’s news,” and called for leaders to be held accountable for how their political rhetoric could contribute to violence.

“Importantly, we must also hold ourselves and everyone else to a higher standard of conduct and rhetoric — the constant dehumanizing attacks on elected officials, candidates, public figures and members of the press must end,” he wrote.

“The constant references to violence, chants about locking people up, and harassing in restaurants and public places must end. The language of warfare must end. We have to stop talking about our political opponents and their supporters like they are the enemy, like they are devoid of shared values or like they are 100% wrong about everything they believe.”

GOP crowds, particularly those at President Trump’s rallies, have been chanting “lock her up” regarding Clinton since the 2016 campaign, when she was under federal investigation regarding the private email server she used as secretary of State. No charges were brought against the former first lady.

Delaney finished his statement by contextualizing Wednesday’s incidents within the larger political moment.

“Today’s events did not happen in a vacuum, they happened as part of an incredibly toxic political environment,” he wrote.

“Unless we bring the country together and reaffirm the notion of unity and common purpose, we will live in a world of increased division and discord that will incite troubled and evil people to real and tragic violence.”

The Secret Service announced in a statement Wednesday that it had found “potential explosive devices” in mail directed to both Clinton’s and former President Obama’s residences.

The Time Warner building in New York City was evacuated after police responded to a suspicious package mailed to CNN’s offices. The package was addressed to former CIA Director John Brennan, who is a contributor to MSNBC.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s (D-Fla.) office in Florida also received a suspicious package. The package was addressed to former Attorney General Eric Holder, but had her office listed as the return address.

President Trump condemned “acts or threats of political violence” during a press conference later Wednesday, saying that they “have no place in the United States of America.”