Karoline Leavitt places blame on ‘left-wing cult of hatred’ for WHCD shooting

Politics
28 Apr 2026 • 2:41 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Karoline Leavitt places blame on ‘left-wing cult of hatred’ for WHCD shooting

  • White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has accused elected Democrats, online commentators, and certain media outlets of inciting political violence against President Donald Trump through "hateful and constant violent rhetoric."
  • Leavitt claimed at a press briefing Monday that political violence like the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ dinner Saturday originates from a "systemic demonization" of Trump and his supporters.
  • “When you read the manifesto of this shooter, ask yourselves, how different is the rhetoric of the almost-assassin than what you read on social media and hear in various forums every single day,” she said.
  • Leavitt, who was seated next to Trump when the gunfire rang out on Saturday, also recounted Trump's "remarkable" composure during the shooting, highlighting his calm demeanor amid the chaos.
  • The alleged gunman, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, has been charged with attempting to assassinate Trump after the shooting at the Washington Hilton ballroom.

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