A terrifying security breach in Washington has prompted Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) to call for a bipartisan national commission to address the rising tide of political violence.
Appearing on Meet the Press on Sunday morning, Khanna reacted to the overnight chaos that left a Secret Service agent wounded and sent attendees, including members of the media, scrambling for cover.
Khanna described the scene as “honestly horrific” and expressed relief that the president, the first lady, and administration officials were unharmed. The congressman specifically highlighted the bravery of law enforcement, noting his hope for the full recovery of the injured agent.
“To see journalists like you and others ducking under tables was just horrifying,” Khanna told moderator Kristen Welker, arguing that the event was meant to be a symbol of an open society.
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To combat the trend of domestic unrest, Khanna suggested a comprehensive approach that mirrors past national inquiries. He proposed that a new commission should investigate the roles of social media, mental health, and political rhetoric in fueling such incidents.
“We need to do something to bring the temperature down,” he said.
When questioned about his confidence in the ongoing investigation, Khanna backed the FBI and federal law enforcement.
Despite past disagreements with Acting Attorney General Blanche over the Epstein files, Khanna stated, “I do believe that he’s going to do everything to have a thorough investigation.”
He also suggested practical security shifts for future high-profile events, such as moving metal detectors to hotel entrances rather than just outside ballroom doors.
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The conversation eventually turned to the perennial debate over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding. Following Blanche’s assertion that the shooting should serve as a “wake-up call” for Congress, Khanna signaled a willingness to act, but with specific conditions.
He noted that Democrats are ready to fund the DHS provided the budget is decoupled from ICE agents involved in controversial raids.
“The Democrats have said that we will fund DHS as long as you separate that from the ICE funding,” Khanna explained, emphasizing that the party has proposed this distinction multiple times in the past.
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