White House says Washington shooting was third assassination attempt on Trump

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt called the shooting at a Washington hotel on 25 April the third assassination attempt on US President Donald Trump.

Source: Leavitt at a press conference, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Speaking at a press conference, Leavitt said the suspect "travelled across the country to assassinate the president and as many administration officials as possible".

Quote: "This is the third major assassination attempt against President Trump in two years. No other president in history has faced such repeated and serious attempts on his life."

Details: Leavitt also condemned political violence, which she said is fuelled by media outlets and members of the Democratic Party. She argued that aggressive rhetoric against Trump has legitimised violence and brought them to this dark moment, referring to the 25 April shooting.

"This political violence stems from the systematic demonisation of him and his supporters by commentators – yes, by elected members of the Democrat Party, and even some in the media. This hateful, constant and violent rhetoric directed at President Trump day after day after day for 11 years has helped legitimise this violence," she said.

The White House spokesperson also compared the manifesto of the suspect, Cole Thomas Allen, who clearly stated his intention to attack administration officials, with critical social media posts about Trump.

"When you read the manifesto of this shooter, ask yourselves: how different is the rhetoric of this almost assassin than what you read on social media and hear in various forums every single day?" Leavitt asked.

Background:

• On the evening of 25 April, gunshots were reported during the White House Correspondents' Dinner at a hotel in Washington, where Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were present. The presidential couple and senior officials were evacuated.
• Law enforcement identified the attacker as 31-year-old teacher Cole Thomas Allen from Torrance, California, who has been detained.
• In July 2024, an assassination attempt on Trump took place during a campaign rally; the attacker, 20-year-old Matthew Crooks, was taken down by security services.
• Another shooting near Trump's golf club in September 2024 was described as a second attempt on his life.

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