A Democrat U.S. lawmaker, Bennie Thompson, has fired his aide after her inflammatory comments in which she wished that the assassin who attempted to murder former President Donald Trump during a Pennsylvania campaign event had been successful.
Mr Thompson, a member of the Homeland Security Committee, condemned the attack that wounded Mr Trump and killed one rally attendee on Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania. Some attendees were critically injured in the attack.
In widespread global outrage over the failed assassination attempt, Jacqueline Marsaw, a field director for Mr Thompson, wrote on Facebook that the shooter should have taken better aim.
“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,” Ms Marsaw wrote on Saturday.
Although Ms Marsaw later deleted the post, a screenshot quickly went viral, causing public outrage and calls for her dismissal.
Responding to the furore over his aide’s Facebook post, Mr Thompson issued a statement on Sunday.
He said, “I was made aware of a post made by a staff member and she is no longer in my employment.”
The shooting has drawn international condemnation as U.S. authorities pledge a thorough investigation. Disturbing footage showing Mr Trump with blood on his face and ear has gone viral on the internet.
The shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Pennsylvania, was killed by Secret Service agents after he opened fire at the campaign event.
