UPDATE: In a rapid response to widespread backlash, Attorney General Pam Bondi has retracted her controversial comments regarding law enforcement targeting groups engaged in “hate speech.” Bondi’s initial remarks, made during a podcast appearance on September 16, 2023, sparked outrage from both conservatives and civil rights advocates.
During her interview with Katie Miller, wife of White House aide Stephen Miller, Bondi stated, “We will absolutely target you, go after you if you are targeting anyone with hate speech.” This statement followed the tragic killing of conservative political organizer Charlie Kirk, leading to a firestorm of criticism across social media platforms.
The backlash escalated quickly, with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression asserting on X, “There is no hate speech exception to the First Amendment.” They emphasized the importance of protecting all speech, asserting that the “proudest boast” of America’s free speech tradition is tolerance for all types of expression, including those that may be offensive.
Conservative commentators were also vocal. Erick Erickson, a prominent conservative broadcaster, labeled Bondi’s comments as misguided, stating, “There’s free speech and then there is hate speech. No ma’am. That is not the law.” Additionally, critics referenced Kirk’s own assertion that “hate speech does not exist legally in America.”
The controversy continued to unfold as Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor appeared to critique Bondi’s statements during a talk at New York Law School, suggesting law schools should better educate their students on free speech principles.
In an attempt to clarify her position, Bondi took to X later that day, stating, “Hate speech that crosses the line into threats of violence is NOT protected by the First Amendment.” She reaffirmed her commitment to combatting actual threats, describing such actions as federal crimes.
President Donald Trump also weighed in, attributing Kirk’s death to “radical left” rhetoric, and suggested that Bondi’s approach might target media figures, saying, “She’d probably go after people like you because you treat me so unfairly. It’s hate. You have a lot of hate in your heart.”
As this situation develops, observers are watching closely for further reactions from both sides of the political spectrum, as well as any potential policy implications stemming from Bondi’s statements. The debate over the boundaries of free speech and hate speech remains a critical issue in American discourse, with significant implications for the upcoming political landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates on this pressing issue.
