Well, Donald Trump has really done it this time. During a speech in Wilmington, N.C. today, he was doing what he does best by getting his supporters worked up into a frothing boil — this time over the absolutely false claims that Hillary Clinton is coming for everybody’s guns. “Hillary wants to abolish, essentially abolish the Second Amendment,” he told the crowd, “and by the way, and if she gets to pick, if she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do, folks.” He then paused, adding one of his trademark Trump zingers, “Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I dunno.”
Out of all of the horrifying things Trump has said over the course of the past few weeks to seriously jeopardize his campaign, this could be the tipping point. He hinted at assassinating the very person who may be the next president of the United States. He may try to pass this off as a joke, but given the rash of gun violence in America, coupled with the overzealous support of his followers, this is no laughing matter.
And people are justifiably angry. Really angry. Within minutes of news of his speech, Twitter erupted in a horrified, outraged fury — some turning to humor to deal with this insanity.
Dear @iamsambee: Maybe tell your writers not to sweat having a bunch of Trump jokes ready when you return in September.
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) August 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/AndrewStilesUSA/status/763095878567690240
Paul Ryan's phone rn pic.twitter.com/xFgO5gKmSt
— Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) August 9, 2016
Trump just threatened Hillary with the 2nd amendment. Only excuse is he meant the 2nd Commandment, Thou shall not have any gods before Trump
— dan haren (@ithrow88) August 9, 2016
Guys, guys. I’m sure he was only JOKING about assassinating US Presidents/SCOTUS justices! Because he’s a clown. A terrifying idiot clown.
— Jonathan Coulton (@jonathancoulton) August 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/kumailn/status/763111475707678720
https://twitter.com/thecajunboy/status/763112777305108480
https://twitter.com/BethRader/status/763112661785673728
https://twitter.com/DLin71/status/763112760867708928
Putin's followers often "joke" about opposition leaders being killed. Posters with crosshairs, etc. Then they are murdered and it's no joke.
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) August 9, 2016
Stop asking Ryan, Priebus and McCain if they still endorse Trump. Ask them if they support his effort to spark an armed revolt if he loses.
— L O L G O P (@LOLGOP) August 9, 2016
Hey @Reince @SpeakerRyan how's that Trump campaign reboot working out?
— Sarah Carlson (@sarahkcarlson) August 9, 2016
Hillary watching the news about Trump rn pic.twitter.com/NkoR2sDz0z
— The Volatile Mermaid (@OhNoSheTwitnt) August 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/feldmaniac/status/763095214026289153
Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, who ended the Democrats’ 15-hour filibuster on gun control back in June, weighed in with perhaps the most poignant words of all.
Casual reading assignment tonight: federal criminal statute on threatening to kill a candidate for President. https://t.co/db549T54lr
— Chris Murphy 🟧 (@ChrisMurphyCT) August 9, 2016
This isn't play. Unstable people with powerful guns and an unhinged hatred for Hillary are listening to you, @realDonaldTrump.
— Chris Murphy 🟧 (@ChrisMurphyCT) August 9, 2016
Don't treat this as a political misstep. It's an assassination threat, seriously upping the possibility of a national tragedy & crisis.
— Chris Murphy 🟧 (@ChrisMurphyCT) August 9, 2016
And by the way, yes, Hillary did hear that.
Clinton campaign: "A person seeking to the be President of the United States should not suggest violence in
any way" pic.twitter.com/SwFhiwUqdr— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) August 9, 2016
And so did a pro-Hillary account.
https://twitter.com/VoteHillary2016/status/763103777943527425