Hakeem Jeffries slams GOP for blaming Dem rhetoric for WHCD shooting: 'Clean up your own house'

WASHINGTON, DC: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries did not hold back as political tensions surged in the aftermath of the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, using the moment to call out what he described as Republican hypocrisy on violent rhetoric.

Speaking in the days following the April 25 incident at the Washington Hilton, Jeffries made it clear that while he condemns political violence, he also believes the blame game coming from the other side is deeply flawed.

The high-profile event had quickly turned into a scene of panic after gunshots were heard inside the ballroom, forcing President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other top officials to be evacuated.

Hakeem Jeffries condemns violence but turns focus on GOP response

Jeffries began by making his position clear in simple terms, saying political violence in any form is unacceptable, “full stop.” But he quickly pivoted to what he sees as a double standard.

He accused Republicans of pointing fingers at Democrats while ignoring their own past responses to major incidents. According to Jeffries, the outrage now does not match their silence in earlier situations.

He claimed Republicans “didn’t have a word to say” about those who supported the January 6 Capitol riot or about Trump’s decision to pardon individuals connected to that event.

That contrast, he argued, makes the current criticism ring hollow.

Jeffries didn’t soften his tone when addressing officials in the administration either. “Get lost. Clean up your own house,” he said.

Tensions rise after White House blames hateful rhetoric for shooting

The sharp response from Jeffries comes after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt linked the shooting scare to what she described as a long pattern of “hateful and constant” rhetoric against Trump.

She argued that the political climate has played a role in creating dangerous situations, pointing to the incident at the Correspondents’ Dinner as a warning sign.

Leavitt also tied the situation to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding crisis, saying the agency has been “directly impacted” by the prolonged shutdown.

The funding lapse, now stretching over 70 days, has become a major point of concern, especially with the Secret Service falling under DHS.

Leavitt said the incident should serve as a reminder of the risks involved when key security agencies are not fully supported.

Hakeem Jeffries stands firm amid criticism over his own remarks

Jeffries pushed back hard on that narrative, accusing the White House of twisting statements made by Democrats.

“The White House press secretary is a disgrace and a stone-cold liar,” he said, adding that Democratic remarks were being taken “out of context.”

He also addressed criticism directed at his own language in the political arena.

Jeffries stood by previous remarks calling for “maximum warfare” against Trump politically, making it clear he has no intention of backing down.

“I stand by it... I don’t give a damn about your criticism!” he said, indicating that he believes strong political opposition should not be confused with incitement.