President Biden honored the 56th year since the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. with a statement praising King’s legacy and cautioning against the return of political violence.
Biden said in a statement Thursday that 56 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. died while striving to improve the soul of our nation, and referred to King as one of his “political heroes.”
Biden mentioned that an extremist with a rifle and driven by white supremacy, killed a great American – Dr. King – who deeply loved his country and sought to make it even better, despite not always receiving the same love in return. He added that Dr. King and generations of foot soldiers, known and unknown, embody a patriotism that continues to inspire generations of Americans, including himself.
Biden cautioned against the resurgence of political violence, emphasizing the need for universal condemnation and extensive education to prevent its recurrence.
Biden stated that it's important to recall another crucial lesson from Dr. King’s life and legacy, urging all Americans, regardless of their political affiliations or backgrounds, to reject all forms of political and hate-fueled violence. He stressed the importance of condemning and addressing such violence, while also emphasizing the need to teach and preserve history, and prioritize community over chaos.
Fears about political violence have increased in recent years, especially following the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, which resulted in multiple deaths.
In a December poll, 83 percent of Americans said they were concerned about political violence. On Wednesday, a new poll revealed that more than 20 percent of Americans said they thought violence may be necessary to achieve political goals in 2024.
Biden also mentioned the influence King had on his life, explaining that after King’s assassination, he left a prestigious law firm to become a public servant.
“Since then, I’ve observed the progress and setbacks on everything he stood for, from voting rights to jobs and justice for all Americans,” Biden said. “I’ve had the privilege of serving as Vice President to the first Black President and now as President alongside the first woman Vice President, as we continue to pursue his vision of a beloved community.”
