Thomas Barrett, U.S. Representative of Michigan's 7th Congressional District | https://barrett.house.gov/
Thomas Barrett, U.S. Representative of Michigan's 7th Congressional District | https://barrett.house.gov/
Congressman Tom Barrett, who represents Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, has issued a statement after his Lansing office was vandalized during a rally organized by the Climate Action Campaign, Michigan Families for Fair Care, and Sierra Club Michigan.
Barrett said: “Last night, my congressional office in Lansing was vandalized by a group of trespassers during a political rally of left-wing activists. There is a clear distinction between peaceful protest and harassment, and this failed attempt to intimidate me crossed a line and will not be tolerated. Your political beliefs should never determine whether or not you feel safe at work, so I appreciate law enforcement investigating this criminal behavior and prioritizing the well-being of my staff who have done nothing but work tirelessly to help their neighbors and serve our communities.”
He also stated: “It is deeply disturbing that this happened just 24 hours after my team had a cordial and honest conversation, face-to-face, with members of Michigan Families for Fair Care who organized the rally with Sierra Club Michigan and the Climate Action Campaign. Each one of these organizations, along with the local media who actively promoted this event, should ask themselves if their words and actions have done anything to improve the discourse in our increasingly-divided country. I think the answer is obvious.”
According to Barrett’s office, on Thursday evening, October 30, graffiti was found on the exterior walls, front steps, and walkway of his congressional office. The incident occurred on private property during an event promoted by local media and led by three activist groups.
Barrett's staff had met with representatives from Michigan Families for Fair Care one day before the incident. The meeting reportedly ended positively with plans for future discussions.
Reports indicate that threats against members of Congress have risen sharply in recent years. This year alone has seen more than 14,000 serious threat assessments—a 55 percent increase compared to last year—with two months still remaining in the calendar year.
Photos and video evidence documenting the vandalism were made available by Barrett’s office.
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