White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Friday defended President Trump’s handling of threats against journalists in the wake of a foiled terrorist plot that targeted a handful of prominent media personalities.
Speaking to reporters, Mrs. Sanders refuted the suggestion that the president’s tough rhetoric toward the press links him to or inspires the threats against journalists and political opponents.
“I certainly don’t think that the president at any point has done anything but condemn violence against journalists or anyone else,” she said.
On Wednesday, federal authorities said they apprehended Christopher Paul Hasson, a Coast Guard lieutenant and self-avowed white supremacist who was planning a mass murder. He was arrested on guns and drug charges, and authorities submitted a photo of the arsenal of weapons he amassed.
Lt. Hasson’s hit list appeared to include CNN’s Don Lemon, Chris Cuomo and Van Jones as well as MSNBC hosts Joe Scarborough, Chris Hayes and Ari Melber. It also listed prominent Democrats such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and freshman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Mrs. Sanders reiterated that the president speaks out when threatening incidents occur and criticized the press for blaming Mr. Trump.
“We have been consistent and repeatedly said that we condemn violence in all forms,” she said.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.
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