During CNN's coverage of the second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Sunday, former FBI counterterrorism agent Tim Clemente told host Erin Burnett that the suspect's motive for the assassination was likely to be to criticize Trump, including alleging that Trump's “statements” about the auto industry being a “catastrophe” if his Democratic opponent won were misconstrued to bolster his case for violence if he didn't win.
“This is unprecedented in a civilized society, and sadly, I think we're becoming more and more barbaric as the political accusations continue, as new political accusations are made against both candidates,” he said. “And sadly, the accusations against Trump have led to, you know, a bloody tragedy, a story about the auto industry being used as if they were going to stage a bloody coup if Trump loses.”
“That kind of phrasing is used when talking about dictators in third world countries, and sadly, I think that's what led to the attempt on Trump's life, and I don't think it's going to end. I think we just need to recognize that we are political adversaries,” Clemente continued. “You and I might not agree on 50 percent of the things that we care about politically, and that's OK. That doesn't mean we can't be friends, neighbors, relatives, and have regular conversations every day. We need to talk about our differences, but not in a way that makes us feel like, you're the enemy and I'm OK.”
(h/t Curtis Hack, NB)
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