Amid overwhelming and bipartisan condemnation of the shooting at a Donald Trump rally on Saturday that left the former president injured and an audience member dead, some Republicans were quick to point fingers at Democrats and liberals for the attack.
Trump, in turn, noted “Nothing is known about the deceased shooter at this time,” on social media a few hours after the assassination attempt. On Sunday morning he did not blame, writes on his Truth social platform: “At this time, it is more important than ever that we stand united and show our True Character as Americans, Stay Strong and Resolute and not allow Evil to win.”
Still, in the immediate aftermath, many of Trump’s allies created a sinister motive theory inspired by the rhetoric of Trump’s critics, including President Joe Biden. strongly condemning the shooting in the comments on Saturday night.
“The Republican District Attorney in Butler County, Pa., should immediately indict Joseph R. Biden for conspiracy,” Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., said. He wrote in X.
The reactions are emblematic of the deep polarization that plagues American politics. The assassination attempt has united congressional leaders, who have strongly condemned it and called for unity, including Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. But there remain figures who use social media to fuel the message, inciting us-against-them divisions and relying on unconfirmed reports or conspiracy theories.
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., who is running to be the next Senate Republican leader, he wrote “Democrats and liberals in the media called Trump a fascist. They compared him to Hitler.”
“This is not an unfortunate event,” Scott’s post continued. “It was an assassination attempt by a madman inspired by the rhetoric of the radical left.”
There were swift reactions before authorities identified the shooter. The suspect who died late Saturday has been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. But two senior law enforcement officials said in the morning after the attack that the shooter’s motive was unclear.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, the victim of a politically motivated shooting in Washington in 2017, blamed Saturday’s shooting on “inflammatory rhetoric” about Trump.
“For weeks, Democratic leaders have been fueling the ridiculous hysteria that Donald Trump’s re-election win will mean the end of democracy in America,” Scalise said in a statement. “Obviously, we’ve seen far-left lunatics act out violent rhetoric in the past. This inflammatory rhetoric should be stopped.”
Two potential vice presidential candidates also blamed Trump’s political enemies for the incident.
“Today is not an isolated incident” he said Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio. “The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. This rhetoric directly led to the assassination attempt of President Trump.”
Trump’s running mate Sen. Tim Scott, RSC, ahead of next week’s GOP convention. He wrote in X: “For years, Democrats and their allies in the media have recklessly stoked fears, calling President Trump and other conservatives a threat to democracy. Their inflammatory rhetoric puts people’s lives at risk.”
“It amazes me that Democratic elected officials condemn violence and call for calm, while Republicans like JD Vance blame Democrats for the shooting before we even know anything about the shooter’s motive,” said Democrat Rich Luchette. strategist. “Remember that Hinckley shot Reagan not because of his politics, but because of his connection to Jodie Foster. I think that says a lot, and none of it is very good, especially in an age of hyperpartisanship and misinformation.”
Chris LaCivita, Trump’s campaign co-manager, told X that “for years and even today, left-wing activists, Democratic donors and even @JoeBaden They made disgusting statements and descriptions of the shooting of Donald Trump,” adding that “it’s time for them to be held accountable” and that “the best way is through the ballot box.”
And Brad Parscale, Trump’s 2020 campaign manager he tweeted: “This is either one of the worst failures in the history of the Secret Service, or it’s a deep state plot. It can never happen.”
Some Republicans recently aired report where Biden described it as bullish rhetoric, using the word “bull’s-eye” to describe turning the spotlight on Trump in a private call with donors.
Full details of the call, released to NBC News by a source, show the president used the metaphor as he urged his party to end the infighting over the future of his candidacy after a poor debate performance against Trump and Project 2025.
“We can’t waste any more time distracting you,” Biden said, according to a transcript of the call. “I have one job and that’s to beat Donald Trump… I’m absolutely convinced that I’m the best person to do it. So we’re done talking about the debate. It’s time to turn on Trump. He hasn’t scored in the last 10 days. did nothing but brag about the points.”
Biden added: “But look, the fact is, he’s not answering questions. Now he’s running away from everything he said: Proposition 25, a disaster for America.”
Late Saturday, Biden condemned the shooting as “sick” and called it “one of the reasons we have to unite this country.” According to a White House official, he spoke with Trump that night.
In an interview, Rep. R-Wis. Derrick Van Orden said the shooting at the Trump rally “happened because of the left.” While he said he condemns “100% of all political violence,” he argued it’s “more on the left than the right” — people feel they can’t wear anything that reflects their Make America Great Again, Republican beliefs. “
Collins, a Republican congressman from Georgia, placed Without evidence Sunday, “Joe Biden sent orders,” said Rep. D-Wis. Mark received a remark from Pocan.
“This is a continuation of the bulls— rhetoric that leads to political violence” Pocan he answered. “The alleged assassination attempt and gun violence against Trump is appalling on many levels. Adding jet fuel to the political climate is unbecoming of a member of Congress.”