Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Democratic congressman from Mississippi, has cut ties with a staff member after a divisive social media post about former President Donald Trump.
According to the Washington Examiner, Jacqueline Marsaw, who had been serving as Thompson's case manager and field director, is no longer employed following the controversy. Thompson confirmed Marsaw's departure but did not specify if she was fired or resigned.
Marsaw came under fire for her comment on the attempted assassination of Trump, in which she urged that shooters get "shooting lessons so you don’t miss next time." This statement quickly drew attention and backlash.
In one of her social media posts, Marsaw wrote, “Couldn’t happened to a nicer fellow, but was it staged” and went on to say, “That’s what your hate speech got you!” Another of her posts read, “Don’t miss next time,” which many interpreted as advocating violence.
Thompson's office confirmed Marsaw's departure to the Washington Examiner on Sunday but refrained from detailing whether her exit was voluntary or involuntary. “I was made aware of a post made by a staff member, and she is no longer in my employment,” Thompson stated.
Marsaw’s remarks, captured by various news outlets, have been described as incitements to violence, though she claimed, “I don’t condone violence but please get you some shooting lessons so you don’t miss next time ooops that wasn’t me talking.”
Rep. Bennie Thompson, who serves as the ranking member on the House Homeland Security Committee, reiterated his stance against political violence. In response to the shooting incident at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, he emphasized there is “no room in American democracy for political violence.”
Thompson expressed relief that Trump was unharmed and extended his “thoughts and prayers” to those involved in the incident. The congressman made it clear that he condemns any form of aggression in the political landscape.
The social media posts by Marsaw have sparked a larger conversation about the boundaries of political discourse and the role of staffers in representing their employers' values and principles. Marsaw's comments, interpreted as incendiary, have been widely criticized.
Thompson’s swift action to distance himself from Marsaw underscores the seriousness with which he views the issue of political violence. His response reflects a broader condemnation of rhetoric that might incite harm or violence against political figures.
Marsaw’s departure also highlights the responsibilities of public officials and their staff in maintaining a standard of conduct that aligns with democratic principles. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of inflammatory speech in the realm of social media.
Rep. Thompson's office declined to provide further comments on the matter. Meanwhile, Jacqueline Marsaw has not issued any additional public statements following her departure from Thompson’s team.
Rep. Bennie Thompson’s decision to part ways with Jacqueline Marsaw demonstrates a clear stance against inflammatory rhetoric and the promotion of violence. This approach reinforces his commitment to upholding the values of American democracy and ensuring the safety and respect for all political figures.
