Stefany Shaheen, a Democratic candidate for Congress in New Hampshire’s First District, declined to condemn political violence when asked on camera, according to video shared from an event appearance.

Shaheen, a former Portsmouth city councilor and the daughter of U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), was approached with questions about political rhetoric and violence and did not answer directly.

The exchange began when a questioner asked Shaheen if she condemned political violence, framing the question as a straightforward request in light of recent incidents.

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Shaheen replied, “I hope you have a great night.”

The questioner continued, “Do you think the rhetoric needs to be toned down right now? Do you condemn political violence? That seems like a pretty simple question, ma’am.”

As Shaheen continued to walk, the questioner asked, “Is murdering someone because of their politics wrong? Is murder socially unacceptable?”

The video shows Shaheen proceeding in silence until she reached a vehicle, entered the driver’s seat, and closed the door.

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Following circulation of the video, the National Republican Congressional Committee issued a statement criticizing Shaheen’s response.

“Stefany Shaheen’s inability to condemn murdering someone over their political views isn’t just radical, it’s flat-out dangerous,” National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) spokeswoman Maureen O’Toole said in a statement.

“Shaheen is contributing to the rising political temperature, and she is unfit to serve Granite Staters in Congress,” she added.

Shaheen launched her congressional campaign in May.

The First District seat is a competitive contest, and the exchange quickly drew attention because it came amid several high-profile incidents that have driven broader discussions about political rhetoric and safety.

Less than a month earlier, the public assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk occurred while he was speaking at an event at Utah Valley University.

The shooting generated national attention and statements from officials and candidates across parties. In a separate incident less than a month ago, a man fired shots at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas, Texas.

As Breitbart News reported, “At least one of the bullets loaded in a clip had ‘Anti-ICE’ marked on the shell casing.”

Authorities said no agents were killed in that incident, and the attack remains part of ongoing federal inquiries into threats against law enforcement personnel.

The questions posed to Shaheen referenced the broader climate around political speech and acts of violence.

In recent weeks, elected officials from both parties have commented publicly about lowering tensions.

Notably, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) shared a study stating that left-wing terrorism had reached a “30-year high” and criticized the use of rhetoric such as “Hitler” or “fascist” by members of his party.

Unchecked extreme rhetoric, like labels as Hitler or fascist, will foment more extreme outcomes.

Political violence is always wrong—no exceptions.

We must all turn the temperature down. pic.twitter.com/PDwYjn4rfl

— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) September 28, 2025

Those remarks were highlighted in the context of appeals for de-escalation and for candidates to address conduct that could contribute to threats or attacks.

The video in New Hampshire shows the questioner repeatedly seeking a clear yes-or-no response.

The clip ends as she steps into her car and departs.

The incident prompted immediate reaction from Republican campaign organizations and candidates who said the exchange should result in a direct statement from Shaheen addressing political violence.

Campaign schedules and local appearances have continued as the First District race moves into the fall.

In prior remarks on the trail unrelated to the exchange, candidates have discussed policy areas including public safety, the economy, and federal spending.

The new video added a layer of scrutiny to how candidates respond to questions about rhetoric and acts targeting political figures or institutions.

No additional statements from Shaheen regarding the on-camera exchange were included in the material that circulated with the video.

The NRCC reiterated its view that candidates should explicitly address acts of violence in political contexts and said the refusal to answer raises concerns for voters evaluating fitness for office.

The questions in the video were framed against the backdrop of recent incidents that received national coverage and have been cited by officials discussing security for political events.

The references to Utah Valley University and the Dallas ICE facility appeared in those questions and subsequent commentary about candidate responses.

As the campaign continues, both parties are likely to face further questions about rhetoric, security, and the threshold for condemning acts tied to political motivations.

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