Donald Trump’s comments about the Second Amendment drew bipartisan criticism and accusations of inciting violence against Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton Tuesday. Now a daughter of a former president has criticized Trump for the comments as well.
Patti Davis is the daughter of Ronald Reagan, who was shot by John Hinckley Jr. during his presidency. Reagan survived the assassination attempt, but Davis has witnessed firsthand the kind of effect words can have on someone who is driven to violence. Hinckley Jr., who tried to kill Reagan to impress actress Jodie Foster, was sent to a mental hospital for the attempt but a judge ordered his release earlier this month.
In a Facebook post, Davis condemned Trump’s comments, noting that Reagan’s shooter drew inspiration from a movie. She pointed out that people around the world heard his comments from those who were outraged to gleeful supporters and possibly even the person who might be driven to violence by them.
“Yes, Mr. Trump, words matter,” she wrote. “But then you know that, which makes this all even more horrifying.”
In the day since Trump’s comments sparked outrage, reports surfaced that the Secret Service spoke to Trump about his comments, a claim that he denies.
H/T Mashable
