Far-right Congressman Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina has repeatedly embraced Christian fascism and suggested that armed rebellion may be the only way for the United States to achieve his vision of government.
The 26 year old freshman representative has urged Christians to "take our country back" amid what he believes is a "spiritual battle." He's repeatedly referred to the Capitol insurrectionists as "political prisoners." He's foreseen "bloodshed" if elections continue to be "stolen."
Now, a secretly recorded video from The Undercurrent further confirms Cawthorn's openness to an armed takeover.
Watch below.
In new undercover video, we ask Rep. Madison Cawthorn if it's time for 2nd Amendment solutions to the stolen election. He tells us "we're obviously headed in that direction" and if we get there, he'll be leading the charge. pic.twitter.com/PCUzRaqe99
— Lauren Windsor (@lawindsor) December 22, 2021
In the video, an undercover reporter is heard asking Cawthorn:
"Is it time for Second Amendment solutions from this runaway government and stolen elections? Are we nearing that point?"
The Second Amendment is, of course, the amendment entitling Americans to a "well-regulated militia" and "the right to keep and bear arms," which conservatives like Cawthorn believe is necessary to rebel against the government—which has a defense budget of more than $700 billion—if they believe it oversteps.
Cawthorn responded:
"We're obviously headed in that direction, but I think we have a chance to save it without having need for kinetic forces meeting each other. ... I really believe in our ability to save the country, but if it doesn't happen, I will be the first to call it."
If Cawthorn's comments weren't chilling enough on their own, conservative voters have repeatedly indicated support for violent takeovers of the United States government. In addition to the deadly failed insurrection against the United States Capitol mounted by pro-Trump extremists, they've been on video asking things like "how many elections are we going to let them steal before we kill these people?" and calling for "20 strong men" to forcibly remove officials like school board members.
Cawthorn's comments only further confirmed the growing violent fantasies Republican politicians are entertaining.
We are at a crossroads in America. The GOP is more comfortable with violence than voting and plotting to violently overthrow your elected leaders. Do not ignore this. We must mobilize and make sure voting wins over violence. https://t.co/lD1ar3QnCT
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) December 22, 2021
Violence is coming and Republicans are bringing it. https://t.co/EZv5dyDwqo
— Reed Galen (@reedgalen) December 22, 2021
When will the media acknowledge this party is filled with violent seditionists https://t.co/HlkcnkapWZ
— Grudgie the Whale (@grudging1) December 22, 2021
Madison Cawthorn thinks “we’re obviously headed in that direction” of right-wing radicals using guns to fight the “stolen election.”
Madison is inciting violence against the United States government.pic.twitter.com/AM3qljX0uB
— Hold Them Accountable (@AccountablePAC) December 22, 2021
@RepCawthorn will absolutely lead the next insurrection. He wants a violent solution to making sure they win elections.
When they say these words out loud, believe them. https://t.co/jNBJZf6yLR
— Jennifer Sage🚴🏻♀️😺🍷⛷ (@vivavelo) December 22, 2021
The newly elected Republicans in Congress (who will soon control both chambers if polling is correct) want to murder people really badly and that seems suboptimal. https://t.co/6r2KC09ugY
— AdotSad (@AdotSad) December 22, 2021
They want Cawthorn out of Congress.
Explain to me like I'm five years old why he shouldn't get kicked out of Congress for this. https://t.co/P9HCaAgvnz
— Airbag Moments 😷💉 (@airbagmoments) December 22, 2021
Expel and charge Insurrectionists. https://t.co/SmIk6OywTN
— Claude Taylor (@TrueFactsStated) December 22, 2021
He is a national security threat. How can he be allowed to enter the halls of Congress or any government building again? https://t.co/X537WXdw77Cawthorn's reelection is in November 2022.
— Joe Mirabella 🏳️🌈 (@joemirabella) December 22, 2021