Opinion: Trump rally shooting makes one thing clear, showing up for this election is crucial now more than ever

In this op-ed, One Pennsylvania Executive Director Steve Paul shares his perspective as a 1991 Haiti coup survivor, highlighting the recent Trump rally shooting, underscoring the recurring theme of destabilizing democratic governments to maintain control and its impact on justice in the United States.

The recent shooting at a Trump rally underscores a chilling reality: MAGA Republicans will normalize traumatic situations and position themselves to gain more power over our Black and Brown working class communities, who have been exposed to the insurrection on January 6th. As a survivor of the 1991 coup in Haiti, where a democratically elected president was violently overthrown with U.S. support, I speak from experience about the devastating impact of political violence. This pattern of destabilizing democratic governments to maintain control is not just a historical or foreign issue; it directly impacts our fight for justice here at home. 

We’ve seen this before. 

Let’s not forget the numerous times Trump has promoted or excused political violence. From encouraging supporters to “knock the crap out of” protesters, to justifying the actions of white supremacists in Charlottesville by claiming there were “very fine people on both sides,” to endorsing the actions of Kyle Rittenhouse, Trump has consistently incited and excused violence to maintain his power. 

For voters, it’s easy to feel disempowered or unfazed, but there’s still an important election to win. As we navigate these turbulent times, it is crucial to recognize and prepare for the intimidation tactics that could still target our electoral process, particularly within Black communities. Their attempts to make Project 2025 a reality signal an urgent need for vigilance and proactive measures. 

Project 2025 is not some aspirational, conservative wish list. It is a blueprint. It is a mandate for a second Trump presidency. And it promises to put Black and Brown communities in imminent danger. 

That’s why it is imperative that we redouble our efforts to safeguard our democratic processes. Black communities, which have historically faced voter suppression and disenfranchisement, are particularly vulnerable to intimidation tactics aimed at undermining their political power. Just as the Reconstruction era saw violent backlash against advancements and the fight for civil rights, we are witnessing a similar reaction today. The political violence we’ve seen lately is a direct response to the significant progress and victories we have achieved. 

I have worked for over two years organizing our base in Western Pennsylvania and I know from being on the ground, our members want a multiracial and reflective democracy that continues to push for cleaner resources, fair housing rights, and a functioning economy for every American, not just the few. 

Let’s be clear, this moment cannot lead us into despair or cynicism about the status quo from MAGA Republicans that have historically fueled voter suppression and other harmful acts in our communities. Their attempts to make Project 2025 a reality signal an urgent need for vigilance and proactive measures. We need to recognize that this strategy on the far right is overplayed and speaks to our resilience as we still exercise the right to vote. We must be vigilant and proactive in protecting these communities and ensuring their voices are heard. 

Every time Black people build political power, we are confronted with violence aimed at undermining our political influence. Yet, we continue to rise. We must continue to fight, protect our communities, and stand strong against these tactics. This election is important, and together, we can ensure our voices are not just heard, but become a formidable force for change. Historically, coming together in Black and Brown working class communities has been an anchor for us to make changes we want to see, and empower one another. During the times of major political uncertainty during the count every vote movement, we still took to the streets, danced, and most importantly, emphasized the joy we deserve in order to have the freedom to thrive. 

The shooting at the Trump rally lays bare the huge divide that many of us live in, here in America. The days following show that even as powerful politicians call for unity and peace, they are continuing to spout divisive and violent rhetoric at the Republican National Convention. You can’t have it both ways. As we approach upcoming elections, we must be prepared for similar attempts at intimidation and disruption. This is not just about protecting our votes; it is about safeguarding the very foundation of our democracy. 

My call to action is for you to be fierce and uncompromising: we must seize and wield governing power. We must rise up, organize, mobilize our communities, and forge a mass movement that prioritizes the liberation of all oppressed communities. We must win at the ballot box, ensuring that our voices are not just heard, but become a formidable force. We must dismantle the oppressive systems that seek to keep us down and reclaim the power that rightfully belongs to the people. 

Right now, we need to move folks to the ballot and take to the streets to show that our country rejects MAGA. And finally, as our ancestors have been doing for generations, we must continue the fight against fascism. By doing so, we honor their revolutionary legacy and pave the way for a better future for our kids, moving this country ever closer to the ideals it professes on paper. 

Make A Plan to Vote. 

In solidarity, 

Steve Paul