House Democrat calls out his own party for fear-stoking rhetoric about Trump

Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, penned a lengthy thread on X about the hyperbole in American politics, urging politicians to stop framing their opponents as “fascists.”

The vulnerable Democrat congressman took to X to denounce the current path that he says the country is on, adding that leaders need to guide America down a different one.

“We can start by dropping hyperbolic threats about the stakes of this election,” he wrote. “It should not be misleadingly portrayed as a struggle between democracy or authoritarianism or a battle against fascists or socialists bent on destroying America. These are dangerous lies.”

SENATE HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AND SECURITY FAILURE

Former President Trump was the target of an assassination attempt at his Butler, Pennsylvania, rally on Saturday. Shots were fired around 6 p.m., just minutes after Trump took the stage. Blood could be seen on Trump’s right ear and face as Secret Service agents escorted him from the stage.

Trump was treated for a wound on his ear at a local hospital before returning to his residence in New Jersey. Both the gunman and a rallygoer were killed. Others are injured and receiving care in the hospital.

RNC’S SECRET SERVICE CLASH THRUST BACK INTO SPOTLIGHT AFTER DEADLY TRUMP RALLY SHOOTING

Lawmakers quickly issued statements praying for Trump’s safety and that of attendees. 

“Following the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, we must ask ourselves questions about the future of our country and what we want for ourselves and our children,” Golden wrote on X in a 10-part thread. 

GOP PRAYS FOR TRUMP AFTER SHOTS FIRED, FORMER PRESIDENT RUSHED OFF STAGE

“In the pursuit of short-term political gain, they are eager to exaggerate our differences and cast their political opponents as diabolical caricatures bent on destroying the country,” he said in reference to those leading the country. 

Per the lawmaker, “The result is an overwhelming sense of fear & anxiety about the future of our country, where the normal and tested tools of democracy no longer seem adequate to protect the common good. In this light, a rise of politically motivated violence in America is sadly unsurprising.”

TRUMP JR SAYS FATHER ‘IN GREAT SPIRITS’ AT HOSPITAL AFTER SHOTS FIRED DURING PA RALLY

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According to the Maine Democrat, it would be “disastrous” to continue this way. Instead, the hyperbole must be stopped, he said, condemning the framing of political opponents as fascists, authoritarians and socialists.

The Democrat is fighting for re-election in a very competitive Maine district in the November election. Nonpartisan political handicapper Cook Political Report rated his seat as a “Democrat Toss Up.”

Social media platform reveals details of would-be Trump assassin’s account

The 20-year-old Pennsylvania man identified as the gunman who attempted to assassinate former President Trump on Saturday appeared to have an account on the Discord platform, the company said Sunday. 

In a statement to Fox News Digital, a Discord spokesperson said an account that appears to be linked to Thomas Matthew Crooks was identified and removed in accordance with the company’s “off-platform behavior policy.”

“It was rarely utilized, has not been used in months, and we have found no evidence that it was used to plan this incident, promote violence, or discuss his political views,” the spokesperson said. “Discord strongly condemns violence of any kind, including political violence, and we will continue to coordinate closely with law enforcement.”

Investigators have not disclosed a potential motive for the shooting and have not disclosed if Crooks had any ties to extremist groups. 

TRUMP SAYS HE WAS ‘SHOT WITH A BULLET’ IN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AT PENNSYLVANIA RALLY

Crooks reportedly shot Trump from a rooftop perch some 130 yards away during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.

Trump was shot in the upper right part of his ear while he was speaking to rally goers ahead of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

One attendee was killed, and two others were injured during the incident, the FBI said, and Crooks was shot dead. 

The man who died was identified as Corey Comperatore, 50, of Sarver, Pennsylvania. The second victim was identified as 57-year-old David Dutch, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and the third victim was identified as 74-year-old James Copenhaver, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania. Both Dutch and Copenhaver were said to be in stable condition, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

LIVE UPDATES ON DEADLY SHOOTING AT TRUMP RALLY

Crooks was from Bethel Park, which is a Pittsburgh suburb about an hour south from where the assassination attempt took place. 

Crooks was a registered Republican, according to voting records, but he only participated in the Nov. 8, 2022, state election, due to his age. 

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Records show that he made a $15 donation to Progressive Turnout Project, a Chicago-based political action committee that supports Democrat candidates for public office and claims to advocate for “key Democratic constituencies: young people, minorities and low-income people.”

Former NFL player Antonio Brown weighs in after shooting at Trump rally

Reaction from across the sports world poured in during the hours after the shooting at Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

Former NFL star and current internet provocateur Antonio Brown was one of the sports figures who decided to weigh in.

“Cue up Many Men by 50 and we gonna win the presidency in a landslide F—ing Legend of the Decade,” Brown wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday. Brown’s post received more than 6 million views on X as of Sunday afternoon.

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The outspoken Super Bowl champion previously expressed his support for the former president. 

“Yeah, I’ll endorse Trump,” Brown responded in an interview with OutKick when asked if he would back Trump during the upcoming presidential election.

SPORTS STARS REACT TO SHOOTING AT DONALD TRUMP RALLY

Brown has not appeared in an NFL game since 2021, when he was a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A shirtless Brown famously jogged to the stadium tunnel in the third quarter of a game against the New York Jets.

Another high-profile sports figure, four-time NBA champion coach and USA Basketball head coach Steve Kerr, also weighed in on what transpired at the political event. Kerr described the shooting as a “demoralizing day for our country.”

“It’s such a demoralizing day for our country, and it’s yet another example of not only our political division but also gun culture,” Kerr said. “A 20-year-old with an AR-15 trying to shoot the former president. It’s hard to process everything, and it’s scary to think about where this goes because of the issues that already exist in the country. So, this is a terrible day.”

Kerr’s father, Malcolm, was assassinated while in Beirut in 1984. He has previously advocated for gun control.

“This is a time where we feel very proud to represent our country wearing USA on our chest, competing in the Olympics,” Kerr said, per ESPN. “We’ve talked to the players about how important it is to show the best version of us as human beings to represent our country in a respectful, dignified manner. It makes you want to do that even more so, because this is really shameful for us to sit here and think about what happened and what’s going on in our country.”

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Kerr and the U.S. men’s national team are in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, as they continue preparations for the upcoming Paris Olympics.

Democrat lawmaker fires staffer for vile post after Trump assassination attempt

A staff member of Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson is “no longer” in the congressman’s employment after allegedly posting “don’t miss next time,” after the apparent assassination attempt on former President Trump on Saturday evening.

“I was made aware of a post made by a staff member and she is no longer in my employment,” Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson said in a statement.

The post, which has since been deleted, was allegedly posted by Thompson’s now-former field director Jacqueline Marsaw. The post 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.”

Trump had just begun speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening when a gunman on a nearby roof outside the venue fired multiple shots toward the stage.

LIVE UPDATES: FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP SURVIVES ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT, FBI IDs SHOOTER AS THOMAS MATTHEW CROOKS

Trump was seen hitting the deck as Secret Service agents rushed the stage to surround the former president. Moments later, a bloodied Trump stood up and pumped his fist before the agents escorted him off the stage.

At least one rally attendee was killed, and two spectators were critically injured, authorities said. The man killed was identified as 50-year-old firefighter Corey Comperatore.

EMOTIONAL GRAHAM DELIVERS MESSAGE OF ‘LOVE’ FOR TRUMP, SAYS US NEEDS ‘SOUL-SEARCHING’

There were multiple calls for Thompson to fire the staffer following the social media post.

Marsaw joined Thompson’s staff in July 2023. She is a native of Natchez, Mississippi, and an alumna of Jackson State University. She served as secretary, vice president and president of her local NAACP and as the former field director for the National Action Network. 

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Thompson chairs the Homeland Security Committee. As Trump was on trial in New York City, he introduced legislation to block Secret Service protection for anyone sentenced to prison.

Business leaders respond to attempted assassination of former President Trump

Business leaders around the U.S. are reacting with shock, sorrow and prayers to the attempted assassination of former President Trump during a campaign rally Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Trump was grazed by a bullet that pierced his upper right ear after he turned to his right while addressing the crowd from a podium at the event. One attendee, Corey Comperatore, was killed in the shooting while two other rallygoers were wounded.

The shooter, who has been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by law enforcement personnel. Authorities haven’t disclosed a motive for the shooting and the investigation is ongoing.

GOFUNDME ‘AUTHORIZED’ BY TRUMP FOR BUTLER, PA, VICTIMS EXCEEDS $2.5M, VIVEK RAMASWAMY DONATES $30K

The act of political violence elicited responses from several prominent U.S. business leaders and executives as well as leading trade groups. Here’s a look at their reactions to the attempted assassination:

Apple CEO Tim Cook

Apple CEO Tim Cook wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter: “I pray for President Trump’s rapid recovery. My thoughts are with him, the other victims and the Trump family. I strongly condemn this violence.”

Entrepreneur Mark Cuban

Cuban, a billionaire investor and longtime Trump critic, wrote in a post on X in the immediate aftermath of the attempted assassination that he hoped “the former President is Ok and no one else was injured” and that authorities would “catch the idiot who did this. This is not the way.” He also expressed gratitude to the “Secret Service who put themselves” in harm’s way to protect the former president.

After reports emerged about the death of one of the rallygoers who was shot in the assassination attempt, Cuban wrote: “This is heartbreaking. Hopefully there is a way we can help support this person and their family.”

Cuban also warned followers and social media users to beware of scams being carried out by fraudsters using fake accounts and bots to capitalize on the public’s reaction and sympathy with victims, writing, “When tragedy and horrific events like the assassination attempt on former President Trump happens, it brings out these accounts to make things worse and grift.”

TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT STIRS MEMORIES OF SIMILAR ATTACK ON REAGAN

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon

“We are deeply saddened by the political violence and the assassination attempt on former President Trump last evening,” JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon wrote in a message to all of JPMorgan Chase’s employees on Sunday, per a report by CNBC.

“On behalf of our entire leadership team, our thoughts today are with the former President, his family and the families of those who were tragically injured and killed,” Dimon continued. “We must stand firmly together against any acts of hate, intimidation or violence that seek to undermine our democracy or inflict harm. It is only through constructive dialogue that we can tackle our nation’s toughest challenges.”

AMAZON FOUNDER JEFF BEZOS SAYS TRUMP SHOWED ‘GRACE AND COURAGE’ IN RESPONSE TO ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT

Amazon co-founder Jeff Bezos & CEO Andy Jassy

Billionaire Amazon co-founder and entrepreneur Jeff Bezos, who has sparred with Trump over political issues in the past decade, praised the former president’s response to the assassination attempt in a post on X.

“Our former President showed tremendous grace and courage under literal fire tonight. So thankful for his safety and so sad for the victims and their families,” Bezos wrote Saturday on X.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy wrote in a post Saturday, “It’s hard to digest what happened in Pennsylvania today. Just awful. My thoughts go out to the victims’ families. Glad that President Trump is safe and hoping he recovers quickly.”

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

“There is simply no place for any type of violence in our society. Sending my best wishes to President Trump for a speedy recovery and to all those impacted by today’s horrific event,” Nadella wrote on X.

ELON MUSK SAYS HE ‘FULLY ENDORSES’ TRUMP AFTER GUNFIRE AT PENNSYLVANIA RALLY

Tesla CEO Elon Musk

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk – who recently donated to a super PAC supporting former President Trump, according to a report by Bloomberg – announced his support for Trump’s presidential campaign in the wake of the attempted assassination.

“I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” Musk wrote Saturday in a post on X.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta, posted on Instagram’s text app Threads: “Praying for a quick recovery for President Trump. This is such a sad day for our country. Political violence undermines democracy and must always be condemned.”

BILLIONAIRE BILL ACKMAN PUBLICLY ENDORSES TRUMP FOLLOWING ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT

BlackRock

The world’s largest asset manager, BlackRock, released a statement Sunday on the assassination attempt:

“The assassination attempt on former President Trump is abhorrent. We’re thankful former President Trump wasn’t seriously injured, and thinking about all the innocent bystanders and victims of this awful act, especially the person who was killed. As our leadership team communicated to colleagues last night, BlackRock strongly condemns political violence of any kind and will do our part to promote civility and unity in the country.”

The statement also explained the appearance of Crooks in an ad the company produced two years ago: “In 2022, we ran an ad featuring a teacher from Bethel Park High School, in which several unpaid students briefly appeared in the background, including Thomas Matthew Crooks. We will make all video footage available to the appropriate authorities, and we have removed the video from circulation out of respect for the victims.”

TRUMP RALLY VICTIM IDENTIFIED AS COREY COMPERATORE, ‘HERO’ SHIELDED WIFE AND GIRLS FROM BULLETS

Investor Bill Ackman

Billionaire Bill Ackman, the founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, wrote a lengthy post on X announcing that he is endorsing former President Trump in this year’s presidential election.

“I came to this decision some time ago as many @X followers have already understood from my supportive posts of Trump and my criticisms of @POTUS Biden,” Ackman wrote. “The reason why I have not yet formally done so is that I want to explain my thinking in detail and address the arguments put forth by others against Trump.”

He added that he plans to explain his rationale for endorsing Trump in a “long-form” post but that “I just haven’t had the time nor felt the urgency” to write it before the assassination attempt.

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Chamber of Commerce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the largest business trade group in the country, released a statement Saturday that read: “We are relieved to hear that President Trump is safe following the shooting at his rally, and we are deeply saddened by the impact on the innocent attendees, including the tragic loss of life. There is no place in our democracy for acts of violence. Now, more than ever, we must unite as a country and uphold the democratic values that define us as a nation.”

Business Roundtable

The Business Roundtable, a group of CEOs at leading U.S. companies, released a statement Saturday that said: “We mourn the loss of innocent life and are relieved that President Trump is safe. We call on all Americans to reject political violence and to commit to resolving political differences peacefully.”

Trump praised by several celebrities after assassination attempt

Donald Trump is being applauded by several celebrities after the former president was the target of an assassination attempt on Saturday.

Trump was clipped in the ear with a bullet that authorities say was fired by Thomas Matthew Crooks.

Political leaders, sports legends and now several celebrities are commenting on the scary event.

SPORTS STARS REACT TO SHOOTING AT DONALD TRUMP RALLY

Jason Aldean

“This is what a Warrior looks like! This is MY guy,” country singer Jason Aldean wrote beneath a photo of a bloodied Trump thrusting his fist in the air at his Pennsylvania rally on Saturday. “[Donald Trump] we are thinking about [you] and praying for you and your family. God has a bigger plan for you my friend and I think we all know what that is by now.”

He added, “My heart goes out to the victims families as well. They are the ones left to pick up the pieces of this cowardly act.”

Model, rapper and expected RNC speaker Amber Rose shared the same photo on her Instagram, writing, “Never stop fighting.”

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Kid Rock

“You f– with Trump, you f— with me,” Kid Rock said in video shared on his social media. The singer, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, also shared a link to a GoFundMe page for victims of the shooting, which at the time of publication had raised over $2 million.

John Rich

“The angels of the Lord encamp around those who fear Him, and delivers them”. -Psalm 34:7,” John Rich wrote to his X account, quoting scripture. “Somewhere, there’s an angel with a bullet hole through his wing. Thank you Lord for protecting DJT,” he wrote.

George Strait

In video shared to TikTok, country legend George Strait can be seen singing praises for first responders in the wake of the assassination attempt during a concert in Detroit. 

“Thank you for coming when we need you, when we call you, appreciate that very much. Especially after today,” he said.

The audience could be heard chanting “USA” in response to Strait’s comments.

Tim Robbins

Actor and director Tim Robbins (“The Shawshank Redemption,” “Mystic River,” “Top Gun”) condemned anyone that compared the assassination attempt of Trump to his satirical film, “Bob Roberts,” released in 1992. The film follows a conservative businessman running for the Senate that is also shot at.

“To anyone drawing a parallel between my film Bob Roberts and the attempted assassination of Trump, let’s be clear. What happened yesterday was a real attempt on a presidential candidate’s life. Those that are denying the assassination attempt was real are truly in a deranged mindset. A human being was shot yesterday. Another killed. They may not be human beings that you agree with politically but for shame folks. Get over your blind hatred of these people. They are fellow Americans. This collective hatred is killing our souls and consuming whatever is left of our humanity,” he wrote to X.

Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino

Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino of “Jersey Shore” fame, who posed for a picture with the former president and UFC founder Dana White at an event last month, wrote “Praying for our country,” to X.

50 Cent

Curtis James Jackson III, known professionally as 50 Cent, shared a meme of Trump’s head photoshopped onto the cover art of his debut album, “Get Rich Or Die Tryin‘,” released in 2003. 

“Trump gets shot and now I’m trending,” the rapper wrote to X.

The rapper recently shared that he believes Trump will be re-elected to the Oval Office come November.

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Savannah Chrisley

Reality star Savannah Chrisley reposted several Trump-related posts to her Instagram stories. She also shared a photo of Trump beneath the cover of Secret Service agents, writing, “Willing to give his life.”

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Police identify victims shot during attempted assassination of former President Trump

The Pennsylvania State Police released the names of the three attendees shot during the attempted assassination of former President Trump at Saturday’s rally in Butler County.

The deceased victim was identified as Corey Comperatore, 50, of Sarver, Pennsylvania.

The second victim was identified as 57-year-old David Dutch of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, who is listed in stable condition. The third victim was identified as 74-year-old James Copenhaver of Moon Township, Pennsylvania; he is also listed in stable condition.

“I am sure everyone has seen the news and are appalled at how divided we have become. Well, it has finally hit home to the League. It is with great sadness that I report that one of the civilians shot at the rally was one of our own,” Matt Popovich, District 8 vice commandant of the Marine Corps League of Pennsylvania Inc. wrote in a post on Facebook.

TRUMP’S SURVIVAL WAS ‘MIRACULOUS’ GIVEN BULLET’S PROXIMITY TO HIS BRAIN, DOCTOR SAYS

“Commandant David Dutch of Westmoreland County is in critical condition. He was shot in the liver and chest. He has had one surgery and is undergoing another this morning. He is currently in an induced coma. Please keep him and his family in your prayers,” Popovich continued.

TRUMP RALLY VICTIM IDENTIFIED AS COREY COMPERATORE, ‘HERO’ SHIELDED WIFE AND GIRLS FROM BULLETS

When Fox News Digital reached out to the Marine Corps League of Pennsylvania Inc., they declined to comment. 

“These victims and their families are certainly in our thoughts today,” said Col. Christopher Paris, Pennsylvania State Police commissioner. “The Pennsylvania State Police continue to work tirelessly alongside our federal, state and local partners as this investigation continues.”

WHO WAS THOMAS MATTHEW CROOKS? WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT TRUMP’S ATTEMPTED ASSASSIN

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered U.S. and state flags on all state facilities, public buildings and grounds to fly at half-staff in Comperatore’s honor.

Comperatore, 50, was a former fire chief for Buffalo Township, a volunteer fire service, local news station WPXI reported.

Shapiro said on Sunday he spoke with Comperatore’s wife, who noted that he was a man of faith.

“We lost a fellow Pennsylvanian last night,” Shapiro said at a news conference. “Corey Comperatore was a girl dad. Corey was a firefighter. Corey went to church every Sunday. Corey loved his community, and most especially, Corey loved his family. Corey was an avid supporter of the former president and was so excited to be there last night with him in the community.”

During Sunday’s press conference, Shapiro called on Americans to come together in prayer and to retreat from hate and malice. 

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“This is a moment where all of us have a responsibility to take down the temperature, rise above the hateful rhetoric that exists, and search for a better, brighter future for this nation. I ask that you join Lori and me in prayer for the two Pennsylvanians still in critical condition, for the family of Corey Comperatore, and for former President Donald Trump,” Shapiro said.

The FBI is investigating the shooting as an assassination attempt.