White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday stated that the manifesto of Cole Thomas Allen, the gunman who targeted the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, mirrors popular Democratic talking points. Leavitt, who returned to the briefing room despite being on maternity leave, read a list of Democratic lawmakers' posts alluding to violence against President Donald Trump.
Leavitt Condemns Violent Rhetoric
Leavitt declared that such rhetoric has radicalized individuals to lash out at the President. 'This political violence stems from a systemic demonization of him and his supporters by commentators, elected members of the Democrat Party, and even some in the media,' she said. She added, 'This hateful, constant, and violent rhetoric directed at President Trump for 11 years has helped legitimize this violence and bring us to this dark moment.' Leavitt emphasized that when people in power repeatedly use such language, it inspires violence among those who are already mentally ill.
The Shooting and Manifesto
Allen, 31, a California resident, traveled to Washington, D.C., to carry out the shooting. According to a manifesto sent to family members, he intended to harm President Trump and Cabinet members. The note read, 'Turning the other cheek is for when you yourself are oppressed. I'm not the person raped in a detention camp. I'm not the fisherman executed without trial. Turning the other cheek when *someone else* is oppressed is not Christian behavior; it is complicity in the oppressor's crimes.'
Leavitt's Comparison
Leavitt argued that the manifesto is 'no different' from media reports and Democratic lawmakers' statements. 'When you read the manifesto, ask yourselves how different the rhetoric is from what you read on social media and hear daily,' she said. 'The answer is that there is no difference at all. Much of the manifesto is indistinguishable from the words we hear daily.'
This is a breaking news story and will continue to be updated.
