In a blistering condemnation from the Senate floor, Democratic Senator John Fetterman has slammed former President Donald Trump for his 'disgusting' remarks concerning the 2017 shooting of Republican Congressman Steve Scalise.
The fiery rebuke came after Trump recently described the near-fatal incident at a congressional baseball practice as a 'whole incitement' during a rally, drawing immediate backlash from across the political spectrum.
'A New Low': Fetterman's Scathing Rebuke
Fetterman, known for his direct style, did not mince words. He accused Trump of exploiting a moment of severe trauma and violence for political gain. The Senator emphasised that the shooting was a real-life tragedy where a colleague's life was nearly lost, not a political talking point.
'To use such a violent event to fuel division is beyond the pale,' Fetterman stated, highlighting the bipartisan shock that followed the original incident.
The 2017 Scalise Shooting: A Chilling Moment in US Politics
The attack, carried out by a lone gunman with a history of anti-Republican sentiment, left Majority Whip Steve Scalise fighting for his life after being shot in the hip. Several others were injured in the hail of gunfire at the practice field in Alexandria, Virginia.
The event sent shockwaves through Washington, prompting a temporary and rare moment of political unity and reflection on the safety of public officials.
Trump's Controversial Rally Comments
During a recent campaign event, Trump revisited the shooting, making claims that have been widely criticised as inflammatory and inaccurate. His comments have been seen as an attempt to draw a false equivalence between different acts of political violence.
Fetterman's response underscores the deep divisions that remain in American politics and the ongoing debate over the tone and responsibility of political discourse.
The Senator's forceful pushback signals that certain events, regardless of partisan affiliation, remain off-limits for political point-scoring in the eyes of many lawmakers.
