The White House has blamed what it described as a “left-wing cult of hatred” for a shooting incident that disrupted a correspondents’ dinner in Washington attended by President Donald Trump.
Speaking on Monday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the attack, which left several persons injured, marked the third assassination attempt targeting the president in the last two years.
“The left-wing cult of hatred against the president and those who support him has resulted in violence, and it nearly happened again this weekend,” she said.
Leavitt, who was present on stage with the president at the time of the incident, alleged that sustained criticism and hostile rhetoric directed at Trump had contributed to a climate of violence.
She accused critics of engaging in what she termed “systemic demonisation” of the president, noting that repeated comparisons of Trump to authoritarian figures had inflamed tensions.
According to her, no recent political figure had faced as many threats and violent incidents as the 79-year-old leader.
A suspect linked to the shooting is expected to appear in court, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Despite his history of sharp criticism of the media whom he has previously labelled “the enemy of the people” Trump adopted a more measured tone during brief remarks shortly after the incident.
The development has further heightened concerns over political rhetoric and security at high-profile events in the United States.
