A Facebook post tied to a staffer of Rep. Bennie Thompson is being scrutinized after it appeared to support a shooter’s assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
The now-deleted post captured by SuperTalk Mississippi News was on the page of Jacqueline Marsaw, a case manager and field director for Mr. Thompson, Mississippi Democrat. It read: “I don’t condone violence but please get you some shooting lessons so you don’t miss next time ooops that wasn’t me talking.”
The outlet captured other posts of Ms. Marsaw’s that related to the shooting before they were also deleted: “Couldn’t happened to a nicer fellow but was it staged” and “That’s what your hate speech got you!”
The posts drew immediate backlash from users online and from the Mississippi Republican Party.
“Bennie Thompson should FIRE his field director for condoning the attempted assassination of President Trump,” the Mississippi GOP posted on X. “Mississippi Democrats must repudiate these despicable statements!”
The Washington Times has reached out to Mr. Thompson’s office for comment.
However, Mr. Thompson released a statement condemning the attack against Mr. Trump on Saturday.
“There is no room in American democracy for political violence. I am grateful for law enforcement’s fast response to this incident,” Mr. Thompson posted on X. “I am glad the former President is safe, and my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved.”
Mr. Trump was delivering remarks during a campaign stop in Butler County, Pennsylvania, when several shots rang out. One round wounded Mr. Trump’s ear and another killed an attendee. Two others were severely injured.
The former president was carried off the stage, his ear bloodied and streaks of blood marking his face. He pumped his fist and called to the crowd as he was ushered into an SUV. He appeared to call out “fight!” to the crowd, and supporters responded by chanting “U.S.A.!”
Mr. Trump said he felt a bullet hit him.
“I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear,” Mr. Trump posted later on Truth Social. “I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
• Kerry Picket can be reached at kpicket@washingtontimes.com.