In a period of 24 hours, the President has signed an Executive Order dramatically altering how free speech is interpreted on social media platforms, and called for the violent intervention of the National Guard in riots. Meanwhile, members of the press have been arrested live.

To describe the events of the past day as disturbing would be an understatement. They& #39;re shocking.

Actions of the state have wide-reaching and long-lasting ramifications. They set new precedents for our country moving forward.

At a time when, more than ever, we should be uniting arm in arm to protest a horrific act and create positive change, the duly elected leader of our country has worked to silence dissenting opinions from his own, and called for state-sponsored violence.

Our nation is in a difficult place. These are frightening times for many Americans.

Fear, violence, and oppression are not the solutions. Our country deserves leaders who can step up to actually lead - and address the root problems that have divided us so deeply.