Donald Trump and Republican allies reject link to rhetoric and rise in violence
- Trump faces calls to tone down his public statements
- Debate comes after attempted pipe bombings and shooting at synagogue
Allies of US President Donald Trump rejected any link between harsh political rhetoric and a rise in violence in America, even as former president Barack Obama’s homeland security chief said changing the “toxic” political environment must start at the top.
The comments came after last week’s attempted pipe bombings and the mass murder at a Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday.
Deranged individuals infused with today’s uncivil political discourse think it’s their place to bring about change in society with assault weapons or bombs, and Americans listen to their leaders – including the president, said Jeh Johnson, the former secretary of homeland security.
“Our president has the largest microphone, he has the largest bullhorn,” Johnson said on ABC’s This Week on Sunday.
“This particular president has a particularly large voice and a large microphone, and Americans should demand that their leaders insist on change, a more civil discourse and a more civil environment generally.’’
The attack in Pittsburgh during Saturday services left 11 people dead, many of them elderly, in what’s being investigated as a hate crime.
On Friday, a Florida man known to have attended Trump campaign events was charged in connection with mailing at least 13 suspected explosive devices that targeted high-profile Democrats, including Obama.