Controversial former Arizona state senate president claims the 'shedding of blood' may be needed to save the U.S. during a heated speech at an anti-immigration rally

  • Russell Pearce said it might take the 'shedding of blood to save the Republic'
  • The controversial former state senate president spoke at a right-wing rally 
  • The rally, 'Patriotism Over Socialism', was attended by anti-immigration groups
  • It is not clear what the remarks were in reference to but come against a backdrop of vast economic migration from Central American countries 

By Rod Ardehali For Dailymail.com

Published: | Updated:

A controversial former Arizona state senate president suggested the U.S. might have to resort to violence to save itself during a right-wing rally in Gilbert, Arizona, held this week.

Russell Pearce, a firebrand former politician who helped introduce one of the country's harshest state immigration laws, declared that it might take the 'shedding of blood to save the Republic,' during a series of remarks delivered at the event, dubbed 'Patriotism Over Socialism.'

While it is unclear what Pearce was specifically referring to, the speech was made against the backdrop of a heated debate about how to deal with groups of Central American migrants fleeing their homeland and traveling to the U.S. border.

Russell Pearce, a firebrand ex politician who helped introduce one of the country's harshest state immigration laws, declared that it might take the 'shedding of blood to save the Republic,' during a series of remarks delivered at an event dubbed 'Patriotism Over Socialism'

Russell Pearce, a firebrand ex politician who helped introduce one of the country's harshest state immigration laws, declared that it might take the 'shedding of blood to save the Republic,' during a series of remarks delivered at an event dubbed 'Patriotism Over Socialism'

Wearing an American flag shirt and Stetson hat, Pearce told the audience of anti-immigration activists that 'I, for one, am willing to do whatever it takes.'

During the rambling speech, that appeared to have severe racial and homophobic undertones, he rallied against lawmakers who do not support his tough stance on immigration.

'We have stupid leaders, we have stupid politicians and it's time we started replacing those that refuse to stand up for the values that we have shed blood for,' he said.

Pearce was fundamental in introducing the SB1070 that requires police to determine the immigration status of someone arrested or detained when there is 'reasonable suspicion' they are not in the U.S. legally.

The much maligned law is among the toughest on illegal immigration nationally.

The rally also included speeches by U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., Arizona Republican Party chairwoman Kelli Ward and right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who was banned from Twitter and from using Uber and Lyft over her anti-Muslim posts. 

Later in his remarks, Pearce criticized the repealing of a law that banned teachers from discussing homosexuality in the classroom.

'They took that away. Why would they do that? Why would they do that? Why would they put my children at risk?' Pearce said about the repeal of the so-called 'No Promo Homo' law.

Pearce currently works at the treasurer's office, where he earns $157,000 a year, according to county officials.

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