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A staff member for Mississippi Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson has been fired after a controversial response posted to social media following the assassination attempt against President Donald Trump on Saturday.
Jacqueline Marsaw, who served as a field director for the Democratic congressman, reportedly shared the post shortly after the Pennsylvania shooting.
“I don’t condone violence but please get you some shooting lessons so you don’t miss next time oops that wasn’t me saying that,” Marsaw’s now-deleted post read.
Posts on her Facebook also included, “That’s what you hate speech got you!!” and, “Couldn’t have happened to a nicer fellow but it was staged.”
The Mississippi GOP called out the post, demanding Thompson to fire his field director.
Thompson released Marsaw, according to a Sunday statement from the congressman’s office.
“I was made aware of a post made by a staff member and she is no longer in my employment,” Thompson wrote in a statement.
Thompson offered his own response on social media following the incident on Saturday.
“There is no room in American democracy for political violence. I am grateful for law enforcement’s fast response to this incident,” he wrote. “I am glad the former President is safe, and my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved.”
The Natchez Democrat noted that Marsaw made “several” posts on social media following the Trump shooting.
“I got overwhelmed in the moment,” Marsaw reportedly told the outlet. “I am a diehard Democrat.” She said her post was meant for its comic value and not to be taken seriously.
The FBI identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. A counter-sniper killed him after he fired shots at Trump and the audience.
In addition to Trump’s right ear being hit by a bullet, one man died, and two others were injured in the shooting.
Trump was taken to a local hospital and later released. He traveled to Milwaukee on Sunday to participate in the Republican National Convention where he will officially receive the party’s nomination for president.
