ASAE CEO John Graham said Thursday that political violence has "no place in our democracy" following reports that pipe bombs had been mailed to prominent Democrats and critics of President Donald Trump.

At least 12 bombs have been mailed to political figures such as former President Barack Obama, former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and billionaire George Soros, according to news reports. None of the bombs have exploded and so far no one has been hurt.

Graham didn't mention the attempted bombings in his statement but said U.S. democracy "provides equal protections of human rights, civil liberties and political freedom for all people."

"The rule of law must always prevail and civility and respect for differences of opinion and thought must return to our public discourse," he said.

ASAE has weighed in on political issues in the past, most notably in 2016 when it and other associations condemned North Carolina for passing a law preventing transgender people from using public restrooms not corresponding to their sex at the time of birth. The law was repealed but replaced with a law preventing local governments in the state from passing their own antidiscrimination laws.

"Associations have always embraced these basic tenets: that we have common interests, we respect and value the opinions of all, and we work together to find solutions to problems we face as a nation," Graham said in the statement. "Regardless of our individual political beliefs, we have a responsibility to each other to condemn violence or the threat of violence and accept that our differences do not detract from our shared purpose. In fact, our differences are what makes us stronger."

MORE CEO DATELINE

• Firearms industry group launches congressional scorecard
• American Psychological Association blasts proposed transgender policy
• Labor Department unveils proposed rule for association retirement plans
• Report: Steel association big winner in tariff exemptions
• ITI releases internet privacy principles