Many Long Islanders who spoke with News 12 Thursday say the mailed bombs being sent to prominent Democrats and critics of President Donald Trump are likely the result of the divisive rhetoric they have been hearing from our elected leaders.

Seaford Republican Rep. Peter King and Garden City Democrat Rep. Kathleen Rice are calling for calm.

They are urging their counterparts in Washington to tone down the harsh language and personal attacks.

“I believe in tough campaigning, but I don't believe in demonizing the other person. And when there's any act of violence at all, it should be condemned on both sides,” says Rep. King.

“We're at a time in this country's history where the language coming from people in positions of power is incredibly divisive, encouraging violent behavior. That has to stop,” says Rep. Rice.

Both members of Congress say they have never seen Washington so severely split.

After calling for unity Wednesday night during a rally, President Donald Trump took to Twitter this morning to partly blame the media for the string of mailed bombs.