Fetterman defends Erika Kirk for her response to WHCD shooting incident: 'What's wrong with people?'

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator John Fetterman said his "heart breaks" for Erika Kirk after she faced the trauma of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner assassination attempt less than a year after the murder of her husband, Charlie.

Fetterman condemned the online harassment directed at the widow following the incident, calling the public attacks "bonkers" in a recent interview.

Fetterman slams online attacks against grieving widow

While speaking to Fox News Digital, Fetterman recalled a "very personal human interaction" he had with Erika Kirk during the chaos of the shooting.

He noted how traumatic the event must have been for her, especially since her husband was assassinated less than a year ago during a college campus event in Utah.

"I expressed how sorry I am," Fetterman said. "She was frantic, understandably, after her husband was assassinated." 

Furthermore, Fetterman expressed frustration over a viral video showing Kirk leaving the hotel in tears and asking to go home, which led to a wave of insults from critics on social media.

He slammed the people targeting her, questioning the lack of basic compassion for a woman who had already lost so much in such a violent manner.

"It blows," Fetterman told Fox News Digital. "People attack a widow. I mean what’s wrong with people? That’s bonkers." 

Fetterman remains sole Democrat opposing war powers limit on Iran 

Shifting to foreign policy, Fetterman told Fox News Digital that he remains fully committed to stopping Iran’s nuclear program through a hardline approach.

On Wednesday, he was the only Democrat to vote against a Senate war powers resolution intended to limit US military involvement in the conflict with Iran, marking the seventh time he has broken with his party on this specific issue.

"I think it’s important to stand and demand Iran to surrender its nuclear material," he said. "I mean, my views haven’t changed."

He also suggested that China should face economic pressure to help stop Iran, stating, "I think China should feel that pain. I think that’s entirely appropriate. Why can’t China demand that?"

Fetterman backs $1.5 trillion defense budget to guard democracy

Fetterman also signaled his support for President Trump’s $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2027, which represents the largest request ever made by a US administration.

Fetterman explained that he views the United States as the "arsenal of the free world" and believes the country must be fully prepared to protect democratic values globally.

"I’m very open to this," he said regarding the massive spending plan. "It’s really important to make sure that we have whatever’s necessary to defend democracy in the global stage."