White House Blames Democratic Rhetoric for Shooting at Correspondents' Dinner
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that rhetoric from Democrats, including Massachusetts lawmakers, contributed to the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on Saturday.
The Attack
The alleged attacker, a California man, reportedly wrote a manifesto indicating intent to target President Trump and cabinet members. He now faces three federal charges.
The Accusation
Leavitt cited specific remarks by Democratic lawmakers as examples of rhetoric that may inspire violence:
- Senator Elizabeth Warren, who called Trump a "fascist state"
- Senator Ed Markey, who labeled Trump's actions "authoritarianism on steroids"
- Representative Ayanna Pressley, who said, "we’ll see you in the streets"
The Responses
Senator Markey responded on social media, stating his characterization was "a statement of fact." He added that the only calls for violence come from Trump via ICE actions.
Representative Pressley condemned violence in any form after the shooting.
Spokespeople for Senator Warren and Representative Pressley did not immediately comment.