CBS’s Margaret Brennan lectures Steve Scalise—who was a victim of political violence—on incendiary GOP rhetoric after Trump assassination attempt

Congressman Steve Scalise, appearing on CBS with anchor Margaret Brennan, addressed concerns about incendiary rhetoric in the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Brennan questioned Scalise about whether he had instructed his party members to rein in rhetoric that could incite violence, despite an attack having just been carried out on the presumptive GOP nominee.

Brenan said, "Have you specifically instructed members...to rein in some of the rhetoric...some are using online that is somewhat incendiary...really blaming this, somehow, on the administration?"

Scalise, who survived an assassination attempt by a left-wing shooter in 2017 at a Congressional baseball game, responded by emphasizing that he has been “very vocal” that political violence should not be tolerated. He also said that political voices need to “dial the rhetoric down." However, he continued by highlighting how claims such as Trump being a “threat to democracy” can contribute to a charged political atmosphere.

President Joe Biden and various Democratic leaders have frequently characterized Trump as a "threat to democracy," accusing him of supporting white supremacy, and making comparisons to Hitler. While these statements are not directly responsible for the actions of the shooter, especially given the lack of clarity on the shooter's full motive, such language has been perceived by many on the right as hypocritical when calls are now being made to lower the rhetoric.

Following the assassination attempt against Trump, CNN made a similar argument that it is Republicans who need to dial down the rhetoric. One individual on the network complained about Trump’s decision to raise his fist and say “fight!” after being shot.

While speaking to CBS, Scalise also addressed the assassination attempt on Trump, sharing his personal experience and support for the former president.

“When I was shot, President Trump came to the hospital that night and, you know, consoled my family. I was in a coma for three days but you know, he and I still talk about that a lot and he was there for me. I reached out to him because I want to be there for him like so many other people want to be there for him – just praying that he's okay,” Scalise said.

“Back then I almost didn't make it through – there were a lot of miracles. But like today, I mean, law enforcement were there for me. I'll never forget David Bailey and Crystal Griner were Capitol Police who both confronted the shooter and were both hit during the shoot-out to secure all of us on that ball field alive. And today you saw, you know, the Secret Service agents immediately rushing to Donald Trump to keep him safe,” he added.