Hochul urges restraint in political rhetoric after rise in violence

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul used a Friday morning press conference to call for dialing down political rhetoric, warning that inflammatory words are contributing to rising political violence and urging leaders from all sides to show restraint.

Gov. Kathy Hochul speaking at a press conference Friday, Sept 12, 2025

Speaking at East Greenbush during a law-enforcement funding announcement, Hochul invoked the days after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks as a moment when the nation came together, she said, “not splitting into factions” or “demonizing political voices that differed from our own.”

Hochul pointed to several recent incidents she described as “warning signs” — an assassination attempt on President Trump, the murder of political figures, threats against lawmakers, “swatting” at college campuses, and arson targeting the home of a governor. She said leaders must do more than condemn violence after it occurs. “Reckless words can lead to reckless acts,” she warned.

“What we need now from leaders of every party, every community is restraint, respect and a little more compassion,” Hochul said, adding that she will convene leaders from both parties next week for a security briefing and “a candid conversation” about how to “turn down the temperature” and prevent further violence in New York.

Hochul emphasized that political differences must not obscure “shared humanity” and that Americans must avoid treating these episodes as “the new normal.” “Political violence has no place in America — zero. A democracy thrives on debate, not bloodshed,” she said.

Asked about certain local incidents — such as individuals slashing tires of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, or recent threats to state lawmakers — Hochul said such actions are unacceptable, regardless of political motivations.

The governor’s remarks come amid a heightened climate of polarization nationally, with many incidents of political violence and intimidation in recent weeks drawing concern from both sides of the aisle. Critics welcomed her message but emphasized the challenge of following it up with concrete policy changes.