Hatred has no place in our politics. Violence is not the way we settle our differences.

The attack on Members of Congress was cowardly and inexcusable, and threats and statements that appeared afterwards on social media are inflammatory and counterproductive. We are better than this.

The rancor and venom I have witnessed lately is poisonous, and it has to stop. We will destroy ourselves if we do not step back, take a deep breath, and remember that we are all Americans.

We all care deeply for our country and our countrymen. There is much more that unites us than divides us, and I urge us all to stand together in support of all those wounded today, their loved ones, and their families.

Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties. He is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee. Rep. Thompson is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and chairs the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force as well as the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus.