Following Trump shooting, Washington state politicians condemn violence and spread conspiracy theories

Political leaders in Washington state are responding to the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a rally over the weekend. While many have condemned the violence, others have called its motivation into question.

Jim Walsh, chair of the state GOP, said he learned of the shooting at a Milwaukee Brewers game. He was with a number of delegates and staff who’d arrived at the Republican National Convention early.

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“Needless to say, it was hard to pay attention to the game after that,” Walsh said.

Walsh blamed the attack on commentators and magazines who’ve called Trump a fascist and compared him to Hitler.

“We've been dreading this kind of thing for a while. I mean, the rhetoric of the criticism and political opposition to Trump is so vitriolic,” Walsh said.

He spoke to KUOW hours before the shooter’s name was revealed and his registration as a Republican was reported. But Walsh doubled down on this stance on social media on Sunday.

He said Trump will receive a “hero’s welcome” at the convention this week.

State Democratic Chair Shasti Conrad, Sen. Patty Murray, and a number of other elected leaders on both sides of the aisle decried political violence in statements. Republican Representative Dan Newhouse called the shooting “appalling.” Newhouse voted to impeach Trump after the capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.

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Some Trump supporters, like the GOP-endorsed candidate for governor, Semi Bird, blamed the attack on “elite extremists.” He called it an effort to “maintain power and control of the government.”

Trump supporters weren’t the only ones spreading conspiracy theories.

Douglas Orr, mayor of Aberdeen, posted on Facebook, “We will never know if it was staged.” He took that post down, but in a phone call with KUOW, Orr doubled down on his comments.

“He’s lied continually, he’s a grandstander,” Orr said. “I just thought it looked like a setup to me. It’s sad that our country thinks that way now. But he’s proven himself not to be very honest, and he’s also proven that he’ll do practically anything to stay in office … so, a fake martyrdom? I can see that.”

Orr’s comments were condemned by Aberdeen City Council President Kacey Ann Morrison on social media, and shared by Republicans around the state. He isn't the only one to receive blowback from comments made after the shooting.

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In Seattle, a Stranger reporter who tweeted “make America aim again” on Saturday was suspended from her job, according to Stranger editor Rich Smith. The Stranger also released a statement decrying political violence.