The Indiana deputy attorney general who called for the use of violence against pro-union protesters in Wisconsin should resign immediately, said People For the American Way President Michael Keegan today.

The Indiana official, Jeff Cox, told Mother Jones via Twitter that riot police who might confront pro-union protesters in Madison, Wisconsin should “use live ammunition.” He proceeded to call the protesters “political enemies” and “thugs” and repeat his call for “deadly force” to be used against them.

“There is absolutely no place for calls to violence in our political debate,” said Michael Keegan, President of People For the American Way. “Anti-union officials in Wisconsin, Indiana, and states across the country have been attempting to demonize working people who want to preserve their right to organize, but this call for violence is beyond the pale. We have seen the damage that comes from public officials and media personalities promoting a culture of violence and demonization. Mr. Cox should step down immediately.”

###