Mixed reaction to Trump tweet from Republican Senators
Tweet levels accusation at elderly man pushed down by police
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KYMA, KECY) - Some Republican Senators are choosing to ignore a controversial presidential tweet. Others are avoiding comment. Only two are choosing to speak out against it.
The tweet in question levels an unsupported accusation at an elderly Buffalo man recently shoved to the ground by police.
Buffalo protester shoved by Police could be an ANTIFA provocateur. 75 year old Martin Gugino was pushed away after appearing to scan police communications in order to black out the equipment. @OANN I watched, he fell harder than was pushed. Was aiming scanner. Could be a set up?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2020
Many Republican Senators refused to comment on the tweet when questioned on Capitol Hill Tuesday morning. Only two chose to make critical comments.
"I saw the tweet, it was a shocking thing to say, and I won't dignify it with any further comment." said Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT).
"I just saw that this second. It just makes no sense that we're fanning the flames not at this time, this is not good...not at any time." said Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) ignored questions about the tweet, instead focusing on response to recent racial tensions.
"I've asked Senator Tim Scott to lead a group that is working on a proposal to allow us to respond to the obvious racial discrimination that we've seen on full display on our television screens over the last two weeks and what is the appropriate response by the federal government." said Sen. McConnell.
