Sanders condemns supporter’s act
Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders decried a reported supporter’s opening fire at a Republican baseball practice yesterday, speaking out on the Senate floor against the “despicable act.”
“I have just been informed that the alleged shooter at the Republican baseball practice is someone who apparently volunteered on my presidential campaign. I am sickened by this despicable act,” Sanders said.
“Let me be as clear as I can be. Violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society and I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms,” Sanders added. “Real change can only come about through nonviolent action, and anything else runs against our most deeply held American values.
“My hopes and prayers are that Representative (Steve) Scalise, congressional staff and the Capitol Police officers who were wounded make a quick and full recovery. I also want to thank the Capitol Police for their heroic actions to prevent further harm.”
James T. Hodgkinson of Belleville, Ill., shot at a Republican baseball practice in Alexandria, Va., yesterday morning wounding four and injuring two. Hodgkinson was killed by police.
Hodgkinson reportedly volunteered for Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign and was a fervent supporter of Sanders online, with his Facebook profile showing a large cover photo of Sanders.
Jeremy Joseph Christian, the man charged with two counts of murder after stabbing three men on a train in Portland, also supported Sanders, according to his Facebook account, which contains numerous statements supporting President Trump and white supremacist groups as well.