LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Bellarmine University in Louisville has suspended an employee after a controversial social media post.
Instructor John James made a post that said "If you're gonna shoot, man, don't miss" with a screenshot of an article about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump 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."
— Bellarmine University⚔️ (@bellarmineU) July 15, 2024
The former president 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.
Trump’s campaign said the presumptive GOP nominee was doing “fine” 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.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is helped off the stage at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
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 after the attempt on his life injected fresh uncertainty into an already tumultuous presidential campaign, while President Joe Biden implored Americans to “cool it down” in the final stretch and “resolve our differences at the ballot box.”
The former president arrived in Milwaukee on Sunday evening for the Republican National Convention, which started Monday.
Related Stories:
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- 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.
