Senator Calls for Condemnation Following Pastor’s Remarks
Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) urged Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico to denounce the sermon given by Talarico’s pastor, who supposedly “downplayed” the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump during the recent White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
Talarico, who is studying to become a Presbyterian minister, uses his religious background to shape progressive policies, which include opposition to ICE and support for open borders. At the same time, he has been very vocal against Christian nationalism and advocates for the separation of church and state.
“James Talarico claims to be campaigning on love and kindness, but his pastor downplayed the assassination attempt on the President of the United States in Washington, D.C. this weekend that left a Secret Service agent seriously injured,” Cornyn posted on X. He continued, “All Texans should be outraged and Talarico should condemn this.”
In his sermon on Sunday, Dr. Jim Rigby, Talarico’s pastor, acknowledged the assassination attempt, mentioning that he understood “many people have mixed feelings” about this third attempt on Trump’s life. His remarks prompted some light laughter from the congregation.
“But if we are to be healers of the world, it’s vital to recognize that violence cannot eradicate our problems,” Rigby stated, adding that the Confederacy is central to the “MAGA movement,” which he labeled a “fascist movement.”
During the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, chaos ensued when an armed man entered the venue, firing shots before being apprehended. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche indicated that the suspect, Cole Thomas Allen, 31, likely aimed to target members of the administration, including the president.
Fox News Digital reached out to both Rigby and Talarico for comment on the matter. Meanwhile, Samantha Cantrell, a spokesperson for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, criticized Talarico’s failure to respond.
“It’s hard to believe that Mr. James Talarico is genuinely trying to oppose political violence while supporting a pastor who radicalizes an entire congregation,” Cantrell remarked.
Republican National Committee spokesman Zach Craft also condemned Talarico’s comments, asserting that the Democratic Party has historically incited violence against conservatives, remarking, “For Talarico and the Democratic Party, murder is just the cost of doing business in conquering power.”
Rigby has a history of expressing left-wing viewpoints. In March, reports emerged detailing him speaking at a pro-Palestinian rally in 2009.
Throughout his sermon, Rigby emphasized that the essence of true jihad is a pursuit of peace and justice. The term, while often used in radical contexts, is also interpreted in Islamic faith as a personal struggle towards spiritual growth.
