A Lancaster County Commissioner resorted to the public comment section of their regular public meeting Tuesday, accusing the board’s chair of refusing to schedule a resolution condemning political violence.
Minutes before the weekly televised meeting began at 9 a.m., District 3 Commissioner Matt Schulte—the board’s lone Republican representing the bulk of southern Lancaster County—sent an email encouraging local media to tune in for “a public statement addressing the urgent need to stand against political violence and to defend the principle of free speech in our community.”
Matt Schulte, Lancaster County District 3 Commissioner. (Courtesy Photo)
The meeting consisted of standard county board items—renewed contracts, road maintenance and bridge fixes, jail uniform purchases, etc. After returning from a closed-off executive session, Schulte left the bench to be the public comment period’s only speaker.
“I come before our body today to speak about an issue that weighs heavily on my heart,” he said. “I am deeply grieved by the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the tragic killing of Minnesota State Senator [Melissa Hortman], and the attempt on our president.”
Schulte condemned the “demonization of opponents and rhetoric that fuels violence,” adding “I cannot stay silent in the face of this growing culture of fear and hatred.”
“For the past two weeks, I’ve respectfully asked for the resolution to be placed on our agenda,” he continued. “And for two weeks, the chair of this board, Commissioner [Rick] Vest, has refused. So today, I stand before you to read this resolution publicly. Even if this board chooses not to act, the people of Lancaster County deserve to know where I stand. I will not accept political violence as the new normal.”
Commissioner Vest (District 5 – northeast Lancaster County) was not present at Tuesday’s meeting. Schulte proceeded to read his proposed resolution, in full, expressly changing the pronouns to singular. It’s title: Resolution Condemning Political Violence, Honoring Victims Including Charlie Kirk and Melissa Hortman, Calling for Unity and Upholding Public Freedom of Speech.
“I call upon all elected officials, public servants, community leaders, media, faith leaders, civil society organizations, and citizens to unite in rejecting political violence, in rejecting demonization of opponents, and in fostering an environment of civility and mutual respect. I encourage measures to strengthen protections for those who serve in public life, ensure safety at public events, promote nonviolence, improve threat assessment, and educate the public on the healthy political discourse. I further encourage this body to dedicate itself to support legislation, partnerships, or local policy initiatives that reinforce democratic institutions, protect public servants from violence, and ensure accountability from those who perpetrate politically motivated violence,” Schulte’s statement ended.
Rick Vest, Lancaster County District 5 Commissioner. (Courtesy Photo)
No commissioners commented on Schulte’s reading and the meeting concluded thereafter.
After the meeting, Vest told KLIN News that him and Schulte had discussed the resolution prior to Tuesday’s unusual public comment occurrence.
The board holds two meetings each week: a public meeting each Tuesday and a private “staff meeting” each Thursday. Vest says Schulte’s resolution was placed on last Thursday’s agenda. But due to novel circumstances, three of the five commissioners had emergencies and were unable to attend, leaving only Vest and Schulte in attendance. So the discussion did not take place.
Vest says he wanted to receive feedback from other commissioners on the matter before placing the matter on a Tuesday meeting agenda.
“I did speak with a number of commissioners the next day, Friday, and they expressed concerns given that we had never taken a stance like this on any topic in the past,” Vest said. “A number of examples were mentioned, like church shootings, school shootings, synagogue attacks, or the January 6th riot at the Capitol.”
“Given that we hadn’t done this in the past, and given that no other entities like the state legislature had taken this step, the board did not want to move forward with the resolution,” he said.
Vest said Schulte’s statement was “heartfelt,” agreeing that “ALL political violence is to be condemned.” The topic is particularly delicate and polemic at the moment, and Vest said he did not want this move to signal indifference.
“I extend my condolences to those families dealing with the painful loss of loved ones. Political violence is not how we became the great country that we are,” he said. “As the chair, my responsibility is to find a way to work with the board and bring consensus and progress to what we’re trying to do regarding county government.”
“Although I am disappointed that my colleague misunderstood my careful and deliberate work on the resolution as a refusal to act,” Vest continued. “I look forward to continuing to collaborate with all the commissioners to ensure that the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners maintains its commitment to fostering respectful dialogue around the important issues facing our community.”
Schulte’s full statement can be read below.
Whereas on September 10th, conservative political leader Charlie Kirk was assassinated during a public event at Utah Valley University in an act which has been widely reported as political violence.
Whereas on June 14th, 2025, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were assassinated in their homes in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, in what state officials have characterized as a targeted political assassination.
Whereas there have also been attempts on the life of President Donald Trump, which similarly represents dangerous precedence of using violence as a tool in political conflict.
Whereas such acts of violence against the public officials or political organizers undermine the safety and stability of democratic institutions and erode public trust and political process.
Whereas our democracy results rests upon the principles that political disputes are resolved through peaceful means, respectful dialogue, and within the rule of law.
Whereas in the times of tragedy, the moral fiber of our community and its leaders is tested, requiring us to recommit to unity, civility, and defense of core democratic values.
Now, therefore, be resolved that I strongly condemn the political assassinations of Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and all attempts to use violence, intimidation, or threats against public figures or private citizens because of their views. And I condemn all acts of political violence regardless of the ideology behind them. I express my deepest sympathy and condolences to the families, friends, and communities of those who have been killed or wounded in these acts, and to others affected by political violence. I affirm the importance of democratic values, freedom of speech, peaceful political engagement, respect for dissent, and the right of all in our community to participate in public life without fear of violence. I call upon all elected officials, public servants, community leaders, media, faith leaders, civil society organizations, and citizens to unite in rejecting political violence, in rejecting demonization of opponents, and in fostering an environment of civility and mutual respect. I encourage measures to strengthen protections for those who serve in public life, ensure safety at public events, promote nonviolence, improve threat assessment, and educate the public on the healthy political discourse. I further encourage this body to dedicate itself to support legislation, partnerships, or local policy initiatives that reinforce democratic institutions, protect public servants from violence, and ensure accountability from those who perpetrate politically motivated violence.
The full meeting can be watched below.