- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has accused elected Democrats, online commentators, and certain media outlets of inciting political violence against President Donald Trump through "hateful and constant violent rhetoric."
- Leavitt claimed at a press briefing Monday that political violence like the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ dinner Saturday originates from a "systemic demonization" of Trump and his supporters.
- “When you read the manifesto of this shooter, ask yourselves, how different is the rhetoric of the almost-assassin than what you read on social media and hear in various forums every single day,” she said.
- Leavitt, who was seated next to Trump when the gunfire rang out on Saturday, also recounted Trump's "remarkable" composure during the shooting, highlighting his calm demeanor amid the chaos.
- The alleged gunman, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, has been charged with attempting to assassinate Trump after the shooting at the Washington Hilton ballroom.
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