A left-wing Australian commentator has faced massive backlash for his “careless” response to the news that former US President Donald Trump was shot in a failed assassination attempt.
Australia’s ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, shared a statement on Sunday following news that Trump had been shot during a campaign rally on Saturday night local time.
“All Australians are shocked by the attack on former President Donald Trump at his campaign rally in Pennsylvania this afternoon,” Rudd wrote.
“Violence has no place in our democracies. It is a relief to see that President Trump is safe. Our thoughts are with him and his family.”
Former radio host Mike Carlton shared a blunt response to Rudd’s message, writing: “It’s not what I think…”
However, Carlton’s audience was less than impressed with his choice of words and even Trump’s critics slammed the Australian’s apparent disregard for security.
“Sometimes it’s better to keep things to yourself,” wrote one.
“You are a disgrace,” said another.
Australian left-wing commentator Mike Carlton (pictured) has been criticised for writing “Not my thoughts…” beneath Kevin Rudd’s statement about the shooting of Donald Trump.
Trump was shot during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday local time, in an attack that killed one spectator and seriously injured two others.
“You are the problem and the sooner we get rid of you the better,” wrote another.
A fourth said: ‘Imagine being such a despicable guy that you would celebrate, or let’s say mourn, someone’s safety. How disappointing that you turned out to be Mike.
“I don’t like that guy at all, but I would never wish him harm and I would say that he shows more courage than you sitting behind the keyboard.
‘You should be ashamed of yourself, mate.’
However, Carlton refused to show remorse and reaffirmed his views.
“Trump’s shooting has brought out his demented Australian acolytes, nameless, insignificant morons from Woop Woop Creek and the like, hurling insults for the benefit of their 20-something followers. What a life!” he wrote.
“And now watch them go again…”
The shooter behind Saturday’s attempted murder, which killed one bystander and seriously injured two others, has since been identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks.
Crooks is a 20-year-old registered Republican who donated to Joe Biden.
He fired at least eight bullets from a rooftop less than 400 feet from where Trump stood on stage in Butler, Pennsylvania, speaking to thousands of fans at 6:15 p.m.
Law enforcement sources told CBS News that Crooks, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was armed with “an AR-style rifle.”
During the attack, he appeared to be wearing merchandise promoting one of the most popular YouTube channels dedicated to firearms: Demolition Ranch, NBC News reported.
According to public court records in Pennsylvania, Crooks had no prior criminal history and officials said they are still working to identify a motive behind the shooting.
Mike Carlton has been criticised by critics for dismissing Kevin Rudd’s statement, which expressed a tough stance against violence in politics and relief at Trump’s safety.
Trump was left bloodied and injured during the assassination attempt, carried out by 20-year-old registered Republican Thomas Matthew Crooks.
Trump was left bloodied and injured during the assassination attempt and was seen suddenly clutching his ear as loud bangs could be heard whizzing past before he crouched to the ground.
The Secret Service surrounded the 45th President of the United States as heart-wrenching screams could be heard from the MAGA crowd.
He then stood up with blood running down his cheek and raised his fist in the air and defiantly shouted “fight!” while the audience chanted “USA!” as he was dragged off the stage and shoved into a vehicle.