J.D. Vance Blames Biden for Trump Rally Shooting, Faces Backlash ‘Extremely Unhelpful and Reckless’
[Justin Lane/Pool via AP Photo]
Donald Trump’s vice presidential shortlist contender, Senator J.D. Vance, faced intense criticism from political experts and onlookers on Saturday after he blamed President Joe Biden for the shooting attempt at Trump’s rally.
Earlier in the day, Trump appeared to be shot in the ear while addressing supporters in Pennsylvania. He was swiftly tackled by U.S. Secret Service agents, who have since been scrutinized for their response to the emergency.
In a statement on his social media site, Trump emphasized that such an event should not occur in the United States. However, Senator J.D. Vance took a different approach, reported the Washington Post.
Vance stated on social media that the shooting “is not just some isolated incident.” He added, “The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. That rhetoric led directly to President Trump’s attempted assassination.”
Gregg Nunziata, executive director of the Society for the Rule of Law, condemned Vance’s statement, calling it “extremely unhelpful, reckless, and dishonest.” He further noted, “It turns up the heat and invites retribution. We should demand better from our leaders.”
Norman Ornstein, an emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, also criticized Vance, stating, “He is a pandering, cowardly, disgraceful lickspittle to Trump and Putin. That he would say this is a true reflection of who he is.”
On social media, reactions were equally harsh. @JDCocchiarella, a Democrat, bluntly said, “F— JD Vance and this disingenuous and dangerous statement.”
Vance’s remarks came in the wake of another controversial statement by GOP lawmaker Mike Collins, who implied that President Joe Biden himself had ordered the shooting at Trump.
The backlash against Vance highlights the escalating tensions and polarized reactions following the assassination attempt. Critics argue that such statements only serve to inflame the situation and undermine efforts to maintain civility and security in political discourse.
As the fallout continues, there is a growing call for political leaders to exercise caution and responsibility in their rhetoric. The need for unity and a measured response to violence remains paramount, as highlighted by the widespread condemnation of Vance’s comments.
