September 17, 2025 | Washington, D.C. — Congressional Republicans are calling for a formal investigation into what they describe as a growing threat of “domestic extremism on the left,” following a recent mass shooting that authorities say may have been politically motivated.
House Majority Leader Mark Townsend (R-TX) and several senior GOP lawmakers held a press conference Wednesday morning, demanding a bipartisan committee be formed to examine “potential ideological radicalization linked to far-left movements,” after a gunman opened fire outside a federal courthouse in Portland, Oregon, killing two and injuring five others.
The suspect, 27-year-old Dylan Carter, was shot and killed by law enforcement at the scene. Authorities are still investigating the motive, but initial reports suggest Carter had shared anti-government and anti-law enforcement rhetoric online, along with posts criticizing conservative political figures.
“This tragic event is yet another reminder that extremism knows no political boundary,” Townsend said. “But what’s concerning is the growing tolerance — even encouragement — of violent rhetoric on the far left. We owe it to the American people to investigate it with the same energy and seriousness we’ve applied elsewhere.”
Republican lawmakers have drawn comparisons to the House Select Committee formed after the January 6 Capitol riot, arguing that political violence should be condemned and scrutinized regardless of ideology.
Democrats, however, have accused the GOP of politicizing the tragedy, urging caution while the investigation remains ongoing. Rep. Marcia Ramos (D-CA), ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, said in a statement, “We should not rush to conclusions or use this horrific event to score political points. We must wait for facts and trust law enforcement to do their jobs.”
Despite the partisan divide, there is growing pressure within Congress to address the broader issue of domestic extremism. The Department of Homeland Security, in its most recent threat assessment, warned of increased risks from “lone actors motivated by a range of grievances, including perceived political injustices.”
FBI Director Christopher Wray, testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee earlier this week, said that “ideologically motivated domestic terrorism” continues to be one of the top threats facing the country. When pressed by Sen. Bill Harmon (R-FL) about whether the FBI is tracking violent rhetoric from far-left groups as closely as far-right ones, Wray said the Bureau is “committed to investigating all domestic threats without political bias.”
The White House has not commented directly on the GOP’s proposal for an inquiry. Press Secretary Alana Mitchell reiterated President Biden’s position that “political violence, from any side, is unacceptable and must be met with full accountability under the law.”
As flags fly at half-mast and the victims’ families mourn, the political battle over how — and whether — to frame the tragedy in ideological terms continues to unfold. With next year’s election already shaping national narratives, experts warn that politicizing such incidents risks deepening polarization at a time when unity is urgently needed.
The investigation into the Portland shooting remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet released a full profile of the suspect, and no official motive has been confirmed.
