Former President Donald Trump speculated on Tuesday that his recent near-assassination might be linked to claims made by his opponents labelling him a “threat to democracy.”
His comments came as the FBI continues to investigate the motive behind the shooting that occurred more than two weeks ago.
During an appearance on the “Sid & Friends in the Morning” radio show, Trump remarked, “They say I’m not democratic, I’m not democratic. I’m a threat to democracy. It’s just a sound bite; it means nothing to them to say it.” He added, “Maybe it’s the reason I was shot. Who knows? Rhetorically, it’s terrible to say about somebody like me, but they always say it.”
The FBI is still investigating the motive of 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, who shot at Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. According to reports, Crooks had searched online for information related to Lee Harvey Oswald and President John F. Kennedy’s assassination and had made “antisemitic and anti-immigrant” posts.
Crooks fired from a rooftop, grazing Trump in the ear and fatally injuring firefighter Corey Comperatore before being shot and killed by the Secret Service.
In the radio interview, Trump criticized the Democratic Party, asserting that they pose a more significant threat to democracy by having Democratic National Committee delegates choose the party nominee rather than holding a primary election. He further described Vice President Kamala Harris, endorsed by President Biden as his replacement, as “far more incompetent” and “more radical” than Biden.
Trump also accused Harris of being unsupportive of Israel and Jewish people, citing her remarks toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded to Trump’s statements during a press briefing. She emphasized President Biden’s condemnation of violent political rhetoric, noting Biden’s call for “lowering the temperature” in his Oval Office address following the shooting.
The investigation into the shooting and the ongoing political commentary continue to stir debate as both parties address the implications of the incident.
