Mike Johnson calls for political parties to 'turn the rhetoric down' after assassination attempt on Trump

Warning: This article contains some graphic information and content that may trigger some readers. Discretion is advised. 

WASHINGTON, DC: House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La) called upon both Democrats and Republicans to turn down the rhetoric during his appearance on NBC News on Sunday, July 14, the day after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

The presumptive GOP nominee had his right ear grazed by a bullet while speaking at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening. While the Secret Service quickly neutralized the shooter and brought Trump to safety, one of the rally attendees died at the scene while two more were critically injured.

The incident has been condemned by leaders across the aisle in the United States as well as by those across the globe.

Mike Johnson's message following the shooting incident

"This is a horrific act of political violence. It ought to be roundly condemned," Mike Johnson stated in his interview on Sunday, July 14 morning.

"Obviously, we can't go on this way as a society. We've got to turn the rhetoric down. We've got to turn the temperature down in this country."

"We need leaders of all parties, on both sides, to call that out and make sure that happens, so we can go forward and maintain our free society that we are all blessed to have," he added.

The Speaker offered his condolences to the families of the victims, and remarked that Trump was saved by "what seemed to be a miracle."

"I believe that God's spirit — and that bullet went just, apparently a millimeter from doing real and permanent damage to him or perhaps taking his life. It's just kind of a surreal thing," he shared.

Johnson took the opportunity to slam the political left and the media for vilifying Trump, saying, "There's no figure in American history, at least in the modern era, maybe since Lincoln, who's been so vilified and really persecuted by media, Hollywood elites, political figures, even the legal system."

"When the message goes out constantly that the election of Donald Trump would be a ‘threat to Democracy,’ and that the Republic would end, it heats up the environment. We cannot do that. It's simply not true. Everyone must turn the rhetoric down," he added, noting that political discourse should not be personal.

House GOP would be launching a full investigation into the incident to determine the failures of security measures as well as other concerns, shared Johnson. He mentioned already questioning Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about how the shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, by the FBI, was able to access the rooftop.

Internet refuses to heed Mike Johnson's call

Netizens across the aisle slammed Speaker House Mike Johnson over his call to dial down the rhetoric following Saturday's shooting incident.

While MAGA supporters accused him of being a RINO, Democrats advised him to check on his own party members who are prone to making divisive statements.

"Mike Johnson has folded to the democrats too many time. He cannot be counted on when the going gets tough. He needs to close his mouth and sit this out," wrote a social media user.

"RINO and a coward," shared another.

"That’s rich since the high temperature is only from one side," expressed one person.

"Mike Johnson should probably check in on MTG then," commented another.

"It took an attempt at one of his guys to come up with that common sense recommendation. Funny that," said one person.

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.