CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Governor Jim Justice on Monday addressed the residents of West Virginia regarding the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump over the weekend, accusing current President Joe Biden of setting the nation on a violent path.
The incident occurred on Saturday at a rally for the former president in Pennsylvania. A gunshot targeting Trump proved to be nearly fatal, making contact with the candidate’s ear before he was escorted from the stage.
Governor Justice addressed residents of West Virginia on Monday via a live stream, calling for an end to hate a violence and blasting the Biden administration for purportedly setting the nation on a violent path and promoting divisive rhetoric.
“Without any question, we’ve got to stop the violence; do we not? We’ve got to stop the hate and we’ve got to stop the tolerance of allowing and accepting the violence,” said the U.S. Senate candidate on Monday. “Frankly, I do not agree with the path that President Biden has had us on. It seems like the hate and the violence is just amped up all over the place all the time.”
Supporters of both Biden and Trump have been adamant about expressing their disdain for the opposition in recent years, with social media in many instances serving to amplify accusations and statements of discontent from supporters and detractors of either candidate.
The events which transpired over the weekend, however, appear to have moved the proverbial needle with regard to the lengths which some may be willing to go to manifest their own vision of what leadership should look like in America. The escalation to near-fatal violence is notable in that it has provoked concern from members of both major parties, with President Biden himself condemning the actions of the shooter and calling for unity.
“Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting [Donald Trump] to safety,” said Biden in a statement following the incident. “There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”
Governor Justice on Monday went on to urge strength in the face of uncertainty from his constituents, dismissing the notion of fear following the shocking incident.
“Absolutely, this has shaken us. But you know one thing for absolute certain it is not going to do? It’s not going to make me afraid,” Justice declared. “I don’t want you to be afraid – none of you. Some way, somehow, we’ll get through this.”
Donald Trump himself addressed the situation through social media, acknowledging his faith and urging strength and resiliency from the American public.
“It was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening,” wrote Trump. “We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness.”
The former president would go on to urge prayer and love for the victims injured and killed by the gunman during the rally and express the necessity of unity at this time.
“In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win.”
