Trump on Capital Gazette Shooting: ‘Journalists … Should Be Free From the Fear of Being Attacked’

Monica Sanchez | June 29, 2018
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In the wake of the shooting at the Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis, Md., that left five people dead and others injured, President Trump at the White House on Friday said that “journalists, like all Americans, should be free from the fear of being violently attacked while doing their job.”

Many were quick to blame the President for the attack, MRCTV reported, jumping to the conclusion that his negative comments about the press were what motivated the shooter to go on a killing rampage.

Keep in mind, the shooting just happened yesterday and the investigation into the incident has just begun. Authorities have not revealed a motive.  

The shooting suspect, who is currently in custody and has been denied bail for failing to cooperate with authorities, has been identified as 38-year-old Jarrod Ramos.

Ramos previously made threats on social media against the newspaper and sued the Capital Gazette for defamation in 2012, police said.

If his history with the newspaper has anything to do with his motive for the attack, then the assumptions being made by people blaming Trump are false and defamatory as well.

While his rhetoric about the press may not be helpful and may contribute to heightened partisan tensions, there is plenty of blame to go around on both sides. Look no further than Maxine Waters' comments calling for citizens to confront and harass members and supporters of the Trump administration

Trump on Friday said to the families of the victims that “there are no words to express our sorrow for your loss.”

“My government will not rest until we have done everything in our power to reduce violent crime and to protect innocent life,” he continued.

He called the shooting “horrific” and pledged his administration’s “eternal support” for those affected by the shooting.

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