Fairfield First Selectwoman Vitale Issues Statement Denouncing Political Violence

FAIRFIELD, CT — On the heels of the killing of conservative advocate Charlie Kirk, Fairfield First Selectman Christine Vitale on Friday issued the following statement condemning political violence:

"In a time of national discourse on political violence, I want to be clear where I stand as First Selectman of the Town of Fairfield," Vitale said. "There is no reason for anyone at any time to engage in political violence, especially when it results in bodily harm or loss of life. Our freedom of speech is sacred to us."

Vitale's statement comes after the Fairfield Republican Town Committee and Democratic Town Committee both called out Representative Town Meeting member Melissa Longo for recent inflammatory social media posts about Democrats. In one of the posts, she referred to all Democrats as "faithless, God hating evil, vile people," and even appeared to make a veiled threat by adding in another post, "we are done playing with you."

In her statement Friday, but without mentioning Longo by name, Vitale addressed the incident.

"However, I would like to also take a stand on dangerous speech here in our town, when elected officials use destructive words to describe political opponents, neighbors and friends," Vitale said. "I do ask all elected officials of any party to join me in condemning acts of hate and take the opportunity to encourage all of us to treat each other with compassion."

Longo, a former chair of the Fairfield RTC, did not apologize for the posts, but in a statement to Patch, she said she has spoken to the current RTC leadership about them.

"I understand the RTC's statement, leadership and I discussed my post earlier," Longo said. "I have proudly served my constituents, and look forward to continuing to do so."