A staff member for Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson has been “removed” from the congressman’s employment after he reportedly posted “Watch out next time” following the assassination attempt on former President Trump on Saturday evening.
“I was made aware of the posting by a staff member who is no longer under my employment,” Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Mississippi, said in a statement.
The post, which has since been deleted, was purportedly made by Thompson’s former field manager, Jacqueline Marseau, and said, “I do not condone violence but I hope you get some target practice so you don’t screw up next time. Oops, I didn’t say that.”
Trump had just begun to speak at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday evening when a gunman on a roof nearby fired several shots toward the stage.
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Rep. Bennie Thompson said in a statement that he fired staff members after they learned of social media posts following what appeared to be an assassination attempt on former President Trump. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images, File)
As Secret Service agents swarmed the stage and surrounded the former president, Trump collapsed to the floor, before a bloody Trump rose to his feet minutes later, fists raised, and was escorted off the stage by agents.
Former President Trump, who was shot and killed at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday, was surrounded by Secret Service agents and raised his fist. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
At least one rally participant was killed and two spectators were seriously injured, according to authorities. The man who died was identified as 50-year-old firefighter Corey Comperatore.
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The social media post led to several calls for Thompson to fire his staff.
Former President Trump had just begun speaking at the rally when the shooting occurred. (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
Marsaw joined Thompson’s staff in July 2023. She is a native of Natchez, Mississippi and a graduate of Jackson State University. She has served as secretary, vice president and president of her local NAACP and is a former field director for the National Action Network.
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Thompson is chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, and while Trump was on trial in New York City, he introduced legislation that would block Secret Service protection for anyone sentenced to prison.
Fox News’ Aisha Husney contributed to this report.
