LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Bellarmine University instructor suspended Monday after a controversial social media post is no longer an employee at the university.
A spokesperson confirmed Tuesday that the instructor was "no longer a Bellarmine employee," but did not elaborate further.Ā
The university also confirmed the update in a post on X.
UPDATE: This individual is no longer a Bellarmine employee. https://t.co/dYzsivbHrW
ā Bellarmine Universityāļø (@bellarmineU) July 16, 2024
Instructor John James was suspended without pay on Monday after a post he made on social media over the weekend.Ā
The post readĀ "If you're gonna shoot, man, don't miss" with a screenshot of an article about theĀ assassination attempt on former President Donald TrumpĀ over the weekend.
WDRB News reached out to the university after being asked about the post several times on Monday.
A spokesperson for the school shared the following statement:
"Words and actions that condone violence are unacceptable and contrary to our values, which call for respecting the intrinsic value and dignity of every individual. We strive to create an inclusive community that welcomes all and models a spirit of goodwill. We are aware of an offensive and unacceptable social media post made by an employee over the weekend. That individual has been placed on immediate unpaid leave."Ā
The former presidentĀ was the target of an apparent assassination attempt Saturday at a Pennsylvania rally.
A barrage of gunfire set off panic, and a bloodied Trump, who said he was shot in the ear, was surrounded by Secret Service and hurried to his SUV as he pumped his fist in a show of defiance.
Trumpās campaign said the presumptive GOP nominee was doing āfineā after the shooting, which he said pierced the upper part of his right ear.
The FBI early Sunday identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. The agency said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Secret Service agents fatally shot Crooks, who attacked from an elevated position outside the rally venue at a farm show in Butler, Pennsylvania, the agency said.
One attendee was killed and two spectators were critically injured, authorities said. All were identified as men.
Trump called for unity and resilience Sunday afterĀ the attempt on his lifeĀ injected fresh uncertainty into an already tumultuous presidential campaign, whileĀ President Joe BidenĀ implored Americans to ācool it downā in the final stretch and āresolve our differences at the ballot box.ā
The former president arrived in Milwaukee on Sunday evening for the Republican National Convention, which started Monday.
Related Stories:
- Bellarmine University suspends instructor over 'offensive' social media post
- Lawmakers are moving quickly to launch investigations into the Trump assassination attempt
- Kentucky delegates 'energized' to participate in Republican National Convention in Milwaukee
- Authorities hunt for clues, but motive of man who tried to assassinate Donald Trump remains elusive
- Former fire chief who died at Trump rally used his body to shield family from gunfire
- Trump heads to convention as authorities investigate motive, security in assassination attempt
- In prime-time address, Biden asks Americans to reject political violence and 'cool it down'
- Kentucky politicians condemn assassination attempt at Donald Trump rally
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press also contributed to this report.
