Stephen Colbert began his Monday episode of The Late Show with a prerecorded message addressing the assassination attempt on Donald Trump at a political rally in Pennsylvania. He expressed horror at the event, relief that Trump survived, and grief for the country, especially for those who were injured or killed during the incident.
Colbert condemned the violence and emphasized that political differences should be resolved through democratic means rather than through violence.
Colbert recounted a personal memory of witnessing Bobby Kennedy’s funeral on TV as a child, reflecting on the recurring theme of violence in American politics.
He linked the recent attack to past violent incidents, such as the shooting at a GOP baseball practice, the plot against Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the attack on Paul Pelosi, and the January 6th Capitol riot. These events, he suggested, illustrate the persistent threat of politically motivated violence in the United States.
The assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was a young man with a mixed political background, having donated to a Democratic group before registering as a Republican.
Colbert noted the difficulty in understanding Crooks’ motivations but stressed that comprehending the specifics was less important than rejecting violence outright. He reiterated that violence and violent rhetoric are detrimental and counterproductive to any cause or ideology.
Colbert closed his message by quoting Isaac Asimov, stating that violence is the last resort of the incompetent. He urged viewers to reject violence and focus on constructive dialogue, especially during times of political crisis. Colbert emphasized that the objective of democracy is to resolve differences peacefully through voting and discourse rather than through physical confrontations.
The Late Show will continue its live coverage of the Republican National Convention this week and will cover the Democratic Party’s convention next month. Colbert highlighted that the conventions are about the ideas the candidates represent and the vision they have for America’s future.
He expressed hope that the recent violence might prompt a change in how Americans interact and communicate with each other, emphasizing that the show’s coverage will include discussions on these ideas and lighter moments for relief.
