Overview
- Pastor Jim Rigby referenced Saturday's White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting in his Sunday sermon, warned that violence is not the answer, and described the heart of the MAGA movement as linked to the Confederacy and as fascistic.
- Sen. John Cornyn on Monday told Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico to condemn Rigby, arguing the pastor made light of the attempt on the president as some in the congregation briefly laughed.
- Rigby on Tuesday said his remarks were misrepresented, accused Cornyn of editing out his explicit rejection of violence, and reported receiving a wave of hostile messages after the clip spread.
- Talarico has said political violence is unacceptable in every form and expressed relief that attendees were safe after the shooting, noting he has also condemned past politically motivated killings.
- Officials say the suspect was detained after firing near the Washington Hilton, and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said evidence indicates he set out to target administration officials likely including the president, a backdrop that has sharpened the campaign fight.