Barr: Democrats' Trump Rhetoric Led to Assassination Attempt

Former Attorney General William Barr condemned Democrats for their rhetoric about former President Trump, saying it led to an assassination attempt at a recent rally.

Former Attorney General William Barr has slammed Democrats for their escalating rhetoric against former President Trump, claiming it directly contributed to the recent assassination attempt against him.

"The Democrats have to stop their grossly irresponsible talk about Trump being an existential threat to democracy," Barr told Fox News. "He is not."

Barr: Democrats' Trump Rhetoric Led to Assassination Attempt

Barr's comments came hours after a would-be assassin shot at Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Republicans, including Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), promptly linked the attack to Democratic accusations of Trump being authoritarian and anti-democratic.

"Today is not just some isolated incident," Vance tweeted. "The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. That rhetoric led directly to President Trump's attempted assassination."

Barr: Democrats' Trump Rhetoric Led to Assassination Attempt

President Biden has also faced scrutiny for inflammatory remarks he made at a July 8 donor event, where he said "it’s time to put Trump in a bullseye."

Following the shooting, Vice President Kamala Harris stated her intention to attend a town hall "to discuss what’s at stake this election and the clear threat the former president represents to our democracy."

Barr: Democrats' Trump Rhetoric Led to Assassination Attempt

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) suggested that Trump supporters pose a threat to Americans, saying, "They’re saying it straight to your face: If you can disagree with Donald Trump, watch your back."

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) asserted that Democrats would continue to defend democracy "at home and abroad," warning against "threats from MAGA Republicans."

Barr: Democrats' Trump Rhetoric Led to Assassination Attempt

Despite the strained relationship he often had with Trump, Barr remains a supporter and endorses him for president. He maintains that the true threat to democracy stems from the "excesses of the progressive left."

Barr served as Trump's attorney general from February 2019 until December 2020. His tenure was marked by both support and criticism of Trump, particularly over his handling of the Mueller investigation and election-related issues.

Barr's recent statements echo concerns raised by other Republicans about the potential consequences of increasingly polarized political discourse. They argue that such rhetoric creates a dangerous atmosphere where violence becomes a tool for settling disputes.

"It's time for the Democrats to tone down their rhetoric and start working together with Republicans to find common ground," Barr said. "Otherwise, we risk further division and potentially more incidents like this."

It remains to be seen whether Barr's call for moderation will be heeded by either side of the political spectrum. The 2024 presidential race is expected to be highly contentious, with Trump likely facing off against a Democratic challenger. The outcome of the election and the future of American democracy may hinge on the ability of both sides to engage in constructive and respectful dialogue.