State Sen. Martin Sandoval apologizing for mock assassination of Trump at fundraiser

Illinois state Sen. Martin Sandoval has issued an apology for a mock assassination of President Donald Trump that was staged at his fundraiser. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

State Sen. Martin Sandoval is apologizing after some people attending his fundraiser staged an assassination of someone wearing a Mexican costume and a Donald Trump mask.

The incident was criticized from both sides of the aisle after photos of a person pointing a fake assault weapon at the Trump character were posted Saturday on Facebook.

“The incident that took place is unacceptable. I don’t condone violence toward the president or anyone else,” Sandoval, D-Chicago, said in a written statement provided to the Chicago Sun-Times.

“I apologize that something like this happened at my event.”

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider called the episode “inexcusable.”

“The apology from Sen. Sandoval for the detestable pictures from his event depicting an assassination of President Trump is too little, too late,” Schneider said in a written statement. “Dangerous imagery like this will be condemned and seen as inappropriate by people of sound mind; however, a mentally unstable individual who wants to harm President Trump might find them as an inspiration.”

His statement continued: “It’s inexcusable for an elected official to allow the promotion of violence in any way. If the individual pictured is a staffer or volunteer, they should be terminated immediately.”

A political fundraiser for @SenatorSandoval simulates an assassination attempt against a mock @realDonaldTrump decked out in Mexican garb. Looks like a man pointed a fake assault weapon at the fake President to pose for a picture. pic.twitter.com/MlT9zjB1mn

— Mark Maxwell (@MarkMaxwellTV) August 17, 2019

The mock assassination at a fundraiser Friday for Sandoval was first reported by WCIA-TV in Champaign.

“As our nation grapples with the epidemic of gun violence, purposely pointing a fake gun at anyone is insensitive and wrong,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker told WCIA Saturday night. “I condemn actions like the ones displayed in the pictures because they lack the civility our politics demands.”

A Sandoval representative in the state senator’s Cicero office declined to comment and said Sandoval was in a meeting; they were uncertain when he’d return.

State Sen. Martin Sandoval’s Cicero office, 5807 W 35th St.