Mike Collins blames Joe Biden for Trump's assassination attempt, Internet calls him 'unfit for office'
Trigger Warning: This article contains some graphic information and content that may trigger some readers. Discretion is advised.
BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA: House GOP member Mike Collins (R-Ga) took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) moments after gunfire rang out at the former President Donald Trump's rally on Saturday, July 13, to blame incumbent Joe Biden over the incident and call for him to be prosecuted.
Trump was speaking at his final rally ahead of the Republican National Convention at the Butler Farm Show Grounds when shots were fired at him shortly after 6.10 pm.
Grabbing his ear, he crouched down below the podium and the US Secret Service agents were soon on top of him. After being cleared to move, Trump was helped back on his feet, his right ear and face streaked with blood. While being escorted off the stage, the former President pumped his fist in the air and appeared to mouth the word “Fight” twice to his crowd of supporters, prompting loud cheers and then chants of “USA. USA. USA.”
According to AP News, Trump was brought into the safety of his SUV within two minutes from the first shot being fired. His campaign shared that he was doing "fine" after the shooting, which resulted in piercing the upper part of his right year.
President Joe Biden's statement after shooting
"I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania," Biden wrote on X following the incident. "I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information."
"Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it," he added.
I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 13, 2024
I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information.
Jill and I are grateful to the Secret…
The incumbent further held a press conference at the White House, telling reporters, "There's no place
in America this kind of violence. It's sick. It's sick. It's one of the reasons we have to unite this country... Everybody, everybody must condemn it, everybody."
Mike Collins' shares controversial tweet after shooting
The congressman shared a quote from Biden stating, "We’re done talking about the debate, it’s time to put Trump in a bullseye," and wrote in his post, "Joe Biden sent the orders."
However, readers added context to his post, noting, "There is no evidence that Joe Biden was involved in the shooting of Donald Trump. The quote in the quote tweet is taken out of context and is referring to beating Trump in the election."
In a follow-up tweet, Collins added to his baseless allegation against the POTUS, stating, "The Republican District Attorney in Butler County, PA, should immediately file charges against Joseph R. Biden for inciting an assassination."
The Republican District Attorney in Butler County, PA, should immediately file charges against Joseph R. Biden for inciting an assassination.
— Mike Collins (@MikeCollinsGA) July 13, 2024
According to Mediaite, such posts are not uncommon for the House GOP member, who is known for making outlandish and offensive comments over social media.
Internet slams Rep Mike Collins for his claims
Netizens did not take the congressman's comments lightly and called him out for making unfounded and inflammatory claims in the midst of a grave situation. Many called upon him to vacate office, as the following tweets demonstrate.
"You're a disgrace and everything that's wrong with American politics right now. Delete this," wrote a user.
You're a disgrace and everything that wrong with American politics right now. Delete this.
— MM (@adgirlMM) July 14, 2024
"And you should be expelled from Congress for such inflammatory and seditious speech. You’re a disgrace," stated another.
And you should be expelled from Congress for such inflammatory and seditious speech. You’re a disgrace.
— Dom (@nhmtnbkr1) July 14, 2024
"Disgusting and irresponsible post," echoed a third.
"Dude, you're unfit to hold public office," commented a fourth.
"This is the kind of rhetoric that leads to events like tonight, you're a disgrace to your country and if you had any decency left, you'd resign in the morning," noted a fifth.
This is the kind of rhetoric that leads to event like tonight, you're a disgrace to your country and if you had any decency left, you'd resign in the morning
— Clifford K 🇪🇺 (@holte) July 14, 2024
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.