Preventing Political Violence in the Public Square: A CLUA project from the National Virtual Cohort
Our project highlights the destructive first-hand impact of political violence and provides conversation resources for Americans to converse across differences on political violence and unite around a commitment to peaceful participation in our public square.
Danger in the Public Square
Lessons from First-Hand Accounts of Political Violence
A moderated panel of Americans who have lived through political violence speaks candidly in Washington D.C. on October 27, 2026 about what it cost them — and why rejecting political violence, together, is the work in front of all of us. Watch the recording, then bring the conversation to your community.
Meet the Panelists
U.S. Capitol Police
Sgt. Aquilino Gonell (Ret.)
An Army combat veteran, Sgt. Gonell defended the U.S. Capitol for more than six hours during the January 6, 2021 attack and was severely injured in the line of duty. He later testified before Congress about the assault and has spoken widely about the human cost of political violence.
Arizona State University
Bill Gates
A lifelong Republican, Gates served on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, including as chairman, where he oversaw Arizona’s 2020 and 2022 elections amid intense pressure and threats tied to false fraud claims. He now directs ASU’s Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory, working to strengthen election administration and public trust.
Former U.S. Rep. (OH)
Brad Wenstrup
A physician and Army combat veteran, Wenstrup was present at the June 2017 congressional baseball practice when Rep. Steve Scalise was shot, and used his medical training to help save Scalise’s life. He later received the Soldier’s Medal for his actions and has spoken about the incident’s lasting impact.
Watch the Panel
The full recording of the panel discussion is available above. It runs approximately 70 minutes and features Sgt. Aquilino Gonell (Ret.), Bill Gates, and former U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup. We recommend watching it together as a group prior to your community conversation.
Why This Belongs on Your Group’s Agenda
No individual or community is immune to political violence. Preventing political violence starts with talking about it honestly in forums that bring together people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
How to Host a Discussion in Your Community
1
Watch together. Set aside time at an upcoming meeting or gathering to watch the panel recording as a group.
2
Use the discussion guide to lead a structured conversation that encourages reflection and deepens understanding. For tough conversations across difference, consider consulting UR Action's ABCs of Constructive Conversation framework. See digital job aid.
About Us
This project has been designed and implemented in 2026 by a group of conservative leaders selected to participate in a non-partisan program called, Conservative Leadership for a United America (CLUA), which empowers conservative leaders with relationships and skills to strengthen the Republic and prevent political violence ahead of the midterms.
Napp Nazworth
Texas
Napp is Executive Director of American Values Coalition
Nelson Thermitus
New Jersey (NVC)
Nelson serves as an Associate Pastor and Dean of a small Bible Institute.
Lee F. Veazey
Fort Mitchell, KY
Lee is a retired Navy Commander, a retired minister, and an active citizen.
Chenele Dixon
Idaho
Chenele's journey continues after raising two daughters, supporting her physician husband, serving in church, building their local Republican Party, executing her State Representative office, and running multiple campaigns.
Pat Mascia
Boston, MA
Born and raised in Ohio, Pat now lives in MA with his wife and four young kids; he invests in small businesses across the USA.
Suhail Khan
Washington, D.C.
Suhail serves as Senior Director of External Affairs at Microsoft Corporation and a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Global Engagement, a Christian religious freedom think tank.
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