In a startling call to C-SPAN’s Washington Journal on Wednesday, a viewer discussed the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, raising concerns about escalating political violence in the U.S. The caller, identified as “Willie” and a Vietnam War veteran, implied that the men involved in the attempt had felt compelled to act, claiming it was necessary to stop the former president.
The incident in question occurred Sunday when a Secret Service agent thwarted an apparent assassination attempt at Trump International Golf Club. Ryan Wesley Routh, who was reportedly lurking near the course while Trump played a round of golf. This comes just two months after Trump was grazed by a bullet during a July 13 campaign rally in Pennsylvania, where he sustained a minor injury to his right ear.
During the “Washington Journal” call, host John McArdle identified Willie as a Democrat and allowed him to express his viewpoint. Willie described his extensive military experience, which included two tours in Vietnam, and remarked on his perception of the current political climate.
“I just want to say I’m a very patriotic American. I did 20 years in the military, two tours in Vietnam, wounded in 1966, went back in 1968, and I look at myself and think about we as military men, we killed, captured, destroyed enemy by all means available,” Willie said. “And I see we let this man, Trump, destroy America. And I look at it and say, well, these two people had to step up and take that shot. I’m 83, nothing to lose.”
McArdle quickly questioned whether the caller was advocating violence, to which Willie responded, “Not violence. I’m talking about defending my country.”
The controversial remarks reflect growing tensions in U.S. political discourse, which has seen a rise in violent rhetoric in recent years. In a social media post following the assassination attempt, Trump addressed this atmosphere, pointing to what he described as inflammatory rhetoric from political opponents, particularly from Vice President Kamala Harris.
“The Rhetoric, Lies, as exemplified by the false statements made by Comrade Kamala Harris during the rigged and highly partisan ABC Debate, and all of the ridiculous lawsuits specifically designed to inflict damage on Joe’s, then Kamala’s, Political Opponent, ME, has taken politics in our Country to a whole new level of Hatred, Abuse, and Distrust,” Trump wrote. “Because of this Communist Left Rhetoric, the bullets are flying, and it will only get worse!”
Trump’s statement linked the violent attempts on his life to what he perceives as an increasingly hostile political environment driven by his opponents. Over the past few days, liberals in the media have tried to cast blame not on Democrats for their radical rhetoric, but on Trump himself, essentially saying he’s asking for it.
