In a recent turn of events, Bennie Thompson, a Democratic Representative from Mississippi, terminated the employment of a member of his staff due to a contentious social media post. The staffer in question, Jacqueline Marshaw, occupied the position of field director for Thompson and is reported to have made an insinuating post about “shooting lessons” in the aftermath of an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
The incident took place at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, with Marshaw’s inappropriate comment surfacing shortly after. Her now-removed post read: “I don’t condone violence but please get you some shooting lessons so you don’t miss next time oops that wasn’t me saying that,” as per reports from the Clarion Ledger.
“I was made aware of a post made by a staff member and she is no longer in my employment,” Thompson said in a statement shared with the Daily Caller News Foundation.
This comment drew significant criticism, especially from the Mississippi Republican Party, which demanded Marshaw’s immediate dismissal.
.@BennieGThompson should FIRE his field director for condoning the attempted assassination of President @realDonaldTrump!!!
“please get you some shooting lessons so you don’t miss next time”
.@msdemocrats must repudiate these despicable statements!!!@WLBT @16WAPTNews @WJTV… pic.twitter.com/QVWu4OtUI2
— Mississippi GOP (@MSGOP) July 14, 2024
The Mississippi GOP tweeted: “[Bennie Thompson] should FIRE his field director for condoning the attempted assassination of President [Trump]. [Mississippi Democrats] must repudiate these despicable statements!”
In light of the assassination attempt, Thompson expressed his appreciation for the swift action taken by law enforcement and denounced any form of political violence. “There is no room in American democracy for political violence,” he wrote. “I am grateful for law enforcement’s fast response to this incident. I am glad the former President is safe, and my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved.”
The attempt on former President Trump’s life resulted in tragic consequences. Corey Comperatore, a volunteer fire chief from Buffalo, tragically lost his life, while David Dutch (57) and James Copenhaver (74) were injured but are now reported to be in stable condition, as per Pennsylvania state police. Trump himself sustained injuries to his face and right ear but was otherwise unscathed.
The FBI identified the alleged attacker as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. It is reported that Crooks fired at Trump from an “elevated position” on a building approximately 400 feet away. The Secret Service promptly neutralized the threat following the incident.
Interestingly, records show that Crooks had previously made a $15 donation to the Progressive Turnout Project and was a registered Republican according to campaign finance records and voter-registration data respectively.