In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution condemning the rioting, looting and arson in France and across Europe. On October 17 and 18, 2026, largely peaceful demonstrations in France over schools and the cost of living were hijacked by masked, organized groups who burned the historic City Hall of Limoges, stormed City Hall and a police station in Marseille, and ransacked more than 1,500 shops. French authorities reported roughly 2,400 arrests and hundreds of police, gendarmes and firefighters injured, and the Mayor of Limoges called it "a colossal failure of the state" after his officers ran out of ammunition. The same weekend, rioters looted shops in Milan and battled police in Brussels. These events follow the 2023 riots that swept France and the 2025 riots in Athens.

France is America's oldest ally. Lafayette shed his blood for our independence at Brandywine, here in Pennsylvania, and in this 250th anniversary year we stand with the French people and our European friends. My resolution condemns all of this violence, whatever its motive and whoever commits it. It also states plainly my view that this unrest grows out of irresponsible immigration and failed assimilation policies, dangerous Marxist and progressive-left policies that excuse lawlessness and vilify police, and governments that have neglected their first duty: protecting their citizens' God-given rights and property.

The lesson for Pennsylvania and America is clear. Secure borders, an immigration system that puts Americans first and expects assimilation, steadfast support for law enforcement, and the protection of private property are not optional. Our own Constitution recognizes the inherent right of acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and our founders understood that these rights come from God, not government. Please join me in co-sponsoring this resolution.