Rep. Bennie G. Thompson fired a congressional staffer over a now-deleted FaceBook post appearing to support a shooter’s assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
“I was made aware of a post made by a staff member and she is no longer in my employment,” Mr. Thompson, Mississippi Democrat, said in a statement.
The post captured by SuperTalk Mississippi News was on the page of Jacqueline Marsaw, a case manager and field director for Mr. Thompson. It read: “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.”
The outlet captured other posts of Ms. Marsaw’s that related to the shooting before they were also deleted: “Couldn’t happened to a nicer fellow but was it staged” and “That’s what your hate speech got you!”
The posts drew immediate backlash from users online and from the Mississippi Republican Party.
“Bennie Thompson should FIRE his field director for condoning the attempted assassination of President Trump,” the Mississippi GOP posted on X. “Mississippi Democrats must repudiate these despicable statements!”
Ms. Marsaw told The Natchez Democrat she removed the post after being asked to do so by a manager on Mr. Thompson’s staff, whom she would not identify.
“I got overwhelmed in the moment,” Ms. Marsaw said. “I am a diehard Democrat.” She said her post was intended to be humorous and not to be taken seriously.
Mr. Thompson released a statement condemning the attack against Mr. Trump on Saturday.
“There is no room in American democracy for political violence. I am grateful for law enforcement’s fast response to this incident,” Mr. Thompson posted on X. “I am glad the former President is safe, and my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved.”
Mr. Trump was delivering remarks during a campaign stop in Butler County, Pennsylvania, when several shots rang out. One round wounded Mr. Trump’s ear and another killed an attendee. Two others were severely injured.
The former president was carried off the stage, his ear bloodied and streaks of blood marking his face. He pumped his fist and called to the crowd as he was ushered into an SUV. He appeared to call out “fight!” to the crowd, and supporters responded by chanting “U.S.A.!”
• Kerry Picket can be reached at kpicket@washingtontimes.com.
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