Former President Donald Trump has blamed the "highly inflammatory language" of Democrats for the second assassination attempt against him since July, saying it has led to him being "shot at."
Former President Donald Trump has accused Democrats of inciting violence against him following the second assassination attempt against him since July. Trump spoke exclusively to Fox News Digital Monday morning, just a day after he was rushed off of the golf course at Trump International in West Palm Beach, Fla., after the Secret Service discovered a gunman in the bushes.
Trump told Fox News Digital that President Biden and Vice President Harris' "rhetoric" is what is causing him to be "shot at," adding that the suspected gunman "acted" on the "highly inflammatory language" of Democrats.
Trump Blames Democrats for Second Assassination Attempt
The suspected gunman, Ryan Wesley Routh, had an AK-47 style rifle pointing through the chain-link fence out toward the green; a go-pro camera; and two backpacks. He ran from the scene but was pulled over and arrested on I-95.
Authorities are treating the episode as an apparent assassination attempt against Trump.
Trump Blames Democrats for Second Assassination Attempt
Trump was safe following the second assassination attempt against him since July. In July, a man was arrested near Trump's Bedminster, N.J., golf club with a loaded AR-15 style rifle, a Glock handgun, a knife, and 83 rounds of ammunition.
Trump's comments come as he has been facing increasing scrutiny over his own rhetoric. In the wake of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, Trump has been accused of inciting violence with his repeated claims that the election was stolen from him.
Trump Blames Democrats for Second Assassination Attempt
Democrats have condemned Trump's comments, saying they are dangerous and irresponsible.
"Trump's rhetoric is a clear and present danger to our democracy," said Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison. "He is inciting violence and putting our lives at risk."
Trump Blames Democrats for Second Assassination Attempt
Trump's comments have also been criticized by some Republicans.
"Trump's rhetoric is reckless and irresponsible," said Republican Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah. "He needs to tone it down."
Trump Blames Democrats for Second Assassination Attempt
The Secret Service is investigating the incident and has increased security around Trump.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Trump and other political figures.
"This is a very serious incident," said former Secret Service agent Jonathan Wackrow. "It shows that Trump is a target and that we need to take his safety very seriously."
The incident has also sparked a debate about the role of rhetoric in inciting violence.
"There is a clear link between Trump's rhetoric and the violence that we have seen," said Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters of California. "He needs to be held accountable for his words."
Republicans have defended Trump, saying that he is not responsible for the actions of his supporters.
"Trump is not responsible for the actions of this individual," said Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida. "He is a victim of violence himself."
The incident is likely to have a significant impact on the 2024 presidential election.
"This incident will make Trump even more of a target," said political analyst Chris Cillizza. "It will also make it more difficult for him to win over moderate voters."
The incident has also raised questions about the security of Trump and other political figures.
"The Secret Service needs to do a better job of protecting Trump," said former Secret Service agent Joseph Clancy. "This incident shows that there are still gaps in their security."
The Secret Service is reviewing its security measures in light of the incident.
"We are always reviewing our security measures," said Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. "We will make any necessary changes to ensure the safety of Trump and other political figures."
