Democratic U.S. lawmaker Bennie Thompson has terminated his aide following her inflammatory remarks wishing that the assassin who attempted to murder former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign event had succeeded.
Thompson, who is a member of the Homeland Security Committee, denounced the attack that injured Trump and resulted in the death of one rally attendee in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. Several other attendees were critically injured.
Jacqueline Marsaw, a field director for Thompson, expressed on Facebook that the shooter should have aimed better amid widespread global outrage over the failed assassination attempt.
“I don’t condone violence, but please get some shooting lessons so you don’t miss next time oops, that wasn’t me talking,” Marsaw wrote on Saturday.
Despite deleting the post, a screenshot of Marsaw’s comment quickly went viral, sparking public outrage and demands for her dismissal.
In response to the backlash, Thompson released a statement on Sunday: “I was made aware of a post made by a staff member and she is no longer in my employment.”
The attack has drawn international condemnation as U.S. authorities promise a thorough investigation. Disturbing footage showing Trump with blood on his face and ear has circulated widely on the internet.
The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Pennsylvania, was killed by Secret Service agents after he opened fire at the campaign event.
