This past weekend, at a “Back the Blue” rally of Trump supporters near Pittsburgh, a group was led in a chant of “kill transgenders.” Now, Pence is traveling to the same county for a Cops for Trump event just days later. In response, HRC Pennsylvania State Director Ryan Matthews issued the following statement:

“Pence traveling to Alleghany County for a “Cops for Trump” event just days after Trump supporters chanted ‘kill transgenders’ at a “Back the Blue” rally is a tacit endorsement of their transphobia. At least 25 transgender or gender non-conforming people have been fatally shot or killed by other violent means so far in 2020, and Pence and these Trump supporters are goading further violence.

“Our community is facing an epidemic of violence and these detestable and despicable chants inciting murder must be condemned. While the “Back the Blue” rally was not a Trump sanctioned event, the protestors are clearly Trump supporters based on their clothing and signage and they must be denounced by Pence and the Trump campaign. Trump and Pence have consistently refused to acknowledge the epidemic of anti-LGBTQ violence and failed to commit any federal resources to combat this epidemic of violence. Will they finally step up and condemn their supporters' actions?”

For more on the ongoing epidemic of violence against transgender and gender non-conforming people, click here.