A Democratic state senator from North Carolina is facing intense criticism after her controversial comments regarding a violent attack on a Trump supporter in 2020 resurfaced online.
The furore centres around Senator Sidney Batch, who represents Wake County. In a now-deleted tweet from October 2020, Batch appeared to comment on an incident where a man was stabbed after his vehicle was surrounded by a convoy of vehicles adorned with Trump flags—a so-called 'Trump Train'.
Batch's tweet suggested the victim's political alignment and participation were contributing factors, stating: "If you roll around in the rain, you’re going to get wet. If you drive around with a giant Trump flag, you’re looking for trouble."
The comments have ignited a fresh wave of outrage, with critics accusing the senator of blatant victim-blaming. Many argue that her rhetoric dangerously implies that displaying political support justifies physical violence.
The incident in question occurred in October 2020. The victim was driving with his family when their car was allegedly surrounded and rammed by the pro-Trump convoy. He was subsequently stabbed after exiting his vehicle to assess the damage.
This week, the assailant, Christopher Austin, was convicted on charges of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury. He was sentenced to a minimum of 26 months in prison.
The timing of the conviction has thrust Batch's old remarks back into the spotlight, raising serious questions about the language used by public figures when discussing political violence. The case continues to be a flashpoint in discussions about the intense polarisation within American politics.
