Congressman Calls for Trump to Apologize for ‘Inspiring’ Violence

Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-East Bay) put out a public statement late yesterday evening regarding President Trump after a subject suspected of sending a series of bombs to prominent Democratic leaders was arrested.

The bombs, which were sent to various locations across the country, ignited political wildfire within the media while they frantically searched for an explanation and a motive. As for President Trump, he has acknowledged that the suspect was indeed a supporter, however, he says he bears “no blame” for the suspect’s actions.

Speaking with reporters on the South Lawn of the Whitehouse, Trump compared the series of threatening packages sent to Democrats and CNN with the Bernie Sanders supporter who shot up a GOP baseball game last year seriously injuring Republican Congressman Steve Scalise of Louisiana. The president also expressed his disappointment in the slowing of Republican voting caused by this event before adding again, “there is no blame.”

Despite Trump’s attempt to deflect any blame that he may be responsible for, not everyone is letting him off the hook. Swalwell stated “We all make mistakes. And no one is beyond redemption. I would forgive & commend President Trump if he acknowledged his rhetoric — e.g., offering to pay legal bills of those commiting (sic) political violence — may inspire others & denounces future violence. Time to heal America.”

We all make mistakes. And no one is beyond redemption. I would forgive & commend @realDonaldTrump if he acknowledged his rhetoric — e.g., offering to pay legal bills of those commiting political violence — may inspire others & denounces future violence. Time to heal America.

— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) October 26, 2018

Congressman Swalwell was referring to the president for having offered to pay the legal fees of Trump supporters who threaten of commit violence aimed at protestors during Trump rallies. In March 2016, for example, Trump said on Meet the Press that he was “looking into” paying the legal fees for John McGraw, a 78-year-old supporter who sucker-punched a protester in the face during a Trump rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Trump told NBC’s Chuck Todd that the man “got carried away” but also said he doesn’t approve of violence. “He obviously loves his country, and maybe he doesn’t like seeing what’s happening to the country,” the then-candidate said. Asked if he would foot McGraw’s legal fees, Trump replied: “I’ve actually instructed my people to look into it, yes.”

Swalwell’s tweet indicates that he believes the president can only be forgiven if he comes to terms with an atmosphere the congressman blames the president for creating.