Linn County, OR. — The Linn County Republican Central Committee (LCRCC) has unanimously adopted a resolution condemning U.S. Representative Janelle Bynum for what it characterizes as reckless and inflammatory public statements regarding recent federal law enforcement actions in Portland.
Approved at the committee’s January 19 meeting, the resolution criticizes Rep. Bynum’s decision to describe federal agents as “state-sponsored terrorists” before the facts surrounding the operation were fully known, as well as her subsequent refusal to retract or clarify those remarks.
The resolution affirms the committee’s support for the rule of law, due process, and law enforcement officers engaged in combating violent crime and human trafficking. It further calls on Rep. Bynum to exercise greater responsibility and restraint in her public communications, particularly when commenting on active or ongoing law enforcement matters.
“Members of Congress have an obligation to lead responsibly, especially when public safety and active law enforcement operations are involved,” said Jon Wright, chairman of the Linn County Republican Central Committee. “Words matter. Rushing to judgment and using extreme rhetoric before facts are known undermines trust, endangers officers, and fails the very people that the Congresswoman was elected to represent. This resolution sends a clear message that the people of Linn County expect leadership rooted in facts, accountability, and respect for all constituents.”
The resolution also emphasizes that, as the representative of Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, Rep. Bynum serves all residents of the district and not a limited ideological constituency. It urges her to issue a public retraction or clarification acknowledging the need for factual accuracy and responsible rhetoric.
According to the LCRCC, copies of the resolution will be transmitted to Rep. Bynum’s congressional office.
Resolution Text
Resolution Condemning Reckless Rhetoric and Calling for Responsible Leadership by Rep. Janelle Bynum
WHEREAS, Representative Janelle Bynum represents Oregon’s 5th Congressional District and, as a Member of Congress, bears a responsibility to uphold the rule of law and represent all constituents of the district, regardless of political affiliation; and
WHEREAS, on or about January 8, Rep. Bynum publicly characterized recent federal law enforcement actions in Portland as “state-sponsored terrorism,” prior to the completion of any official investigation or release of verified facts; and
WHEREAS, such statements were made in connection with a federal operation involving suspected members of a violent transnational criminal organization engaged in human trafficking, drug trafficking, and other serious crimes; and
WHEREAS, inflammatory rhetoric directed at law enforcement—particularly when facts are still emerging—undermines public trust, endangers officers, and risks emboldening criminal activity; and
WHEREAS, Rep. Bynum declined to retract or temper her remarks and instead reaffirmed them publicly, further escalating division and controversy; and
WHEREAS, the people of Oregon’s 5th Congressional District expect their elected representatives to exercise restraint, judgment, and respect for due process rather than engage in reactionary statements designed to generate media attention or appeal to ideological extremes;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Linn County Republican Party formally condemns Rep. Janelle Bynum’s rash and reckless public statements regarding federal law enforcement actions made without full knowledge of the facts; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Linn County Republican Party affirms its support for the rule of law, due process, and the men and women of law enforcement who work to protect communities from violent crime and human trafficking; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Linn County Republican Party calls upon Rep. Bynum to issue a public retraction or clarification acknowledging the need for factual accuracy, responsible rhetoric, and respect for all victims of violent crime; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Linn County Republican Party reminds Rep. Bynum that she serves all residents of Oregon’s 5th Congressional District—not merely a narrow ideological constituency—and urges her to conduct herself accordingly.
Adopted by the Linn County Republican Central Committee — January 19, 2026
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