A Mississippi congressman fires an aide for a social media post suggesting a better aim for Trump’s shooter.
On July 14, 2024, Representative Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee, announced the dismissal of an aide who had posted an inappropriate message regarding the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
Jacqueline Marsaw, a field director for Thompson, wrote on Facebook after the July 13 shooting at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania: “I don’t condone violence but please get you some shooting lessons so you don’t miss next time ooops that wasn’t me talking.” The comment was quickly condemned by many and was deleted shortly thereafter.
Mississippi Lieutenant-Governor Delbert Hosemann called for Thompson to fire Marsaw, which the congressman swiftly did. In a statement, Thompson confirmed Marsaw’s termination, emphasizing the importance of condemning political violence.
Thompson, who chaired the committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, had already condemned the violence directed at Trump in a social media post on the evening of the assassination attempt. He expressed his relief that Trump was safe and sent thoughts and prayers to those involved in the incident.
