Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton shared a post on X criticizing Democratic state Rep. James Talarico for previously stating that “prison is violence,” saying prisons exist to protect families from violent criminals. The clip of Talarico’s remarks, posted amid their contest for a U.S. Senate seat in Texas, quickly drew widespread replies. Many online users responded by pointing to a plea deal offered by Paxton’s office in a recent child sex abuse case.
The video shows James Talarico speaking at a podium during what appears to be a school-related event. In the clip, he states, “Poverty is violence,” followed by “Pollution is violence,” and then “And yes, prison is violence.”
In the accompanying text, Paxton writes that Talarico thinks “prison is violence” and adds that prisons exist to protect families from violent criminals. He states he will always stand with law enforcement, crime victims, and the rule of law rather than ideas he describes as putting public safety at risk. The footage does not show the full context of the original speech or events before or after the quoted remarks.
Responses to Paxton’s Critique of Talarico’s Remarks
Several users focused on a prior case handled by Paxton’s office. One wrote, “Remember when you gave a rapist a plea deal.”
Another commented, “You kept your pedophile buddy out of prison so he can rape more kids. Are you a pedo too?”
A third said, “Prisons exist to protect families from violent criminals?? Ken Paxton releases a child rapist from prison after 30 days. Seeing the issue with Ken yet?”
Other replies directed attention toward Talarico, with one stating, “It’s hard to believe Talafreako will get any votes, but of course he will,” while another described him as “a radical wacko.”
The post adds one more exchange to the ongoing Texas Senate campaign between Paxton and Talarico. It continues to circulate as users respond to the remarks and the reactions they have prompted.
