ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos and "This Week" co-host Martha Raddatz have condemned the rhetoric of former President Donald Trump and his supporters, linking it to the recent assassination attempt on Trump. They cited Trump's warnings of "death and destruction" and a "bloodbath" if he were charged or lost the election, as well as inflammatory statements from his supporters. Raddatz emphasized the need to remember the January 6th Capitol riot as a reminder of the potential consequences of such rhetoric.
ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos has criticized former President Donald Trump and his supporters for contributing to a climate of violence in the country, culminating in the recent assassination attempt on Trump. Stephanopoulos noted that Trump's supporters, such as Vivek Ramaswamy and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, have criticized the left for its heated rhetoric about Trump, but argued that Trump and his supporters have also engaged in inflammatory language.
Trump Supporters Fuel Violent Rhetoric Leading to Assassination Attempt
Martha Raddatz, co-host of "This Week," agreed with Stephanopoulos' assessment. She pointed to Trump's past statements, such as his warning of potential "death and destruction" if he were charged by the Manhattan district attorney and his prediction of a "bloodbath" if he lost the election. Raddatz also noted that Trump had referred to the "bloodbath" quote as a joke taken out of context, but emphasized that these were his words.
Raddatz stressed the importance of remembering the January 6th Capitol riot as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of violent rhetoric. "Let's remember January 6," she urged.
Trump Supporters Fuel Violent Rhetoric Leading to Assassination Attempt
ABC News has not yet responded to a request for comment on Stephanopoulos' and Raddatz's remarks.
The failed assassination attempt on Trump was carried out by Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old man from western Pennsylvania who fired at Trump from a rooftop perch 130 yards away. Crooks was killed by law enforcement after striking Trump in the upper part of his right ear.
Trump Supporters Fuel Violent Rhetoric Leading to Assassination Attempt
Crooks was a registered Republican but had only participated in the November 2022 state election. Records show he donated $15 to the Progressive Turnout Project, a Chicago-based political action committee that supports Democrat candidates and advocates for minority and low-income communities.
Last week, Stephanopoulos faced criticism for expressing his belief that President Biden could not serve another four years due to concerns about his mental acuity. ABC News later clarified that Stephanopoulos' views were his own and not representative of the network's position.
Trump Supporters Fuel Violent Rhetoric Leading to Assassination Attempt
Stephanopoulos acknowledged regret for his candid admission, stating, "I shouldn't have."
Fox News Digital contributors Scott McDonald, Joseph A. Wulfsohn, and David Rutz assisted in preparing this report.
