Trump Speaks on Shooting: Journalists ‘Should Be Free from the Fear of Being Violently Attacked’
President Donald Trump delivered public remarks today on the economy, but took a moment to briefly address the horrific Capital Gazette shooting:
“This attack shocked the conscience of our nation and filled our hearts with grief. Journalists, like all Americans, should be free from the fear of being violently attacked while doing their job. To the families of the victims, there are no words to express our sorrow for your loss.”
“We pledge our eternal support,” he concluded. “The suffering is so great. I’ve seen some of the people––so great. My government will not rest until we’ve done everything in our power to reduce violent crime and protect innocent life. We will not ever leave your side, so our warmest, best wishes and regrets. Horrific, horrible thing.”
Some journalists responded by recalling past rhetoric from the President regarding the press:
Donald Trump, who has repeatedly told his supporters that journalists are "the enemy of the people", says at the White House: "Journalists, like all Americans, should be free from the fear of being violently attacked while doing their job."
— Jon Swaine (@jonswaine) June 29, 2018
— Sam Stein (@samstein) June 29, 2018
Trump — who has called the press "the enemy of the people" and "sick people," and says "they don’t like our country,” — says, "Journalists, like all Americans, should be free from the fear of being violently attacked while doing their job." pic.twitter.com/RQ8KMc47qg
— David Mack (@davidmackau) June 29, 2018
Watch above, via MSNBC.
[image via screengrab]
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