(The Center Square) – While Virginia lawmakers denounce the second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, a key congressional candidate is catching heat after a close family member made an offensive social media post against the former president in response to the incident.
A slew of criticism has followed.
Rachel Vindman, sister-in-law of 7th Congressional District Democratic candidate Eugene Vindman, took to social media Sunday afternoon mocking the incident.
“No ears were harmed. Carry on with your Sunday afternoon,” [Rachel] Vindman posted on X.
Her comments quickly drew backlash from Republicans, including the former president’s son and Eugene Vindman’s Republican challenger, Derrick Anderson.
“I am deeply disturbed by yet another attempt of political violence in our nation. I am grateful that no one is hurt, and thankful for the law enforcement agents who acted bravely and swiftly in the line of duty,” Eugene Vindman posted.
Before Eugene Vindman’s candidacy, the retired Army officer was most notably known as a key whistleblower during Trump’s first impeachment trial along with his twin brother, Alexander, husband of Rachel Vindman.
Anderson and fellow conservatives were quick to pounce on Rachel Vindman’s post.
Anderson posted, in part, “... your sister-in-law is actively joking and making light of the second assassination attempt on Trump. Will you show the leadership needed during this time and denounce her statements?”
Donald Trump Jr. lashed out at the post, using an expletive and the descriptor "demented."
Despite the criticism, Rachel Vindman posted again saying she didn't "care a little bit" and accused Trump of "inciting violence" in Springfield, Ohio.
Anderson said it was "dangerous precedent" for his opponent not to condemn the comments.
He also posted, “While my opponent is failing the leadership and decency test as we speak, I will always stand up to do what is right for VA07…The American people must be our priority over partisan politics right now.”
Fellow Virginia Democrats made no mention of the Vindman posts but were quick to condemn the assassination attempt.
“Reports of another attempted assassination of former President Trump are deeply troubling. I’m grateful to the Secret Service & local law enforcement who apprehended the suspect and stopped a horrific scene from unfolding. Political violence can never be tolerated in America,” Rep. Abigail Spanberger and Democratic gubernatorial candidate.
Democratic Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner made posts denouncing the attempt on Trump’s life.
"Political violence is never, ever acceptable, and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Warner posted on X.
As of Monday morning, Eugene Vindman was still silent on the controversial posts from his sister-in-law, instead opting to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month while presumably throwing shade at Republicans for spreading “anti-Hispanic rhetoric.”
“During Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s come together to honor their contributions and celebrate their vibrant heritage. At a time with so much anti-Hispanic rhetoric, this fight is all the more important,” the congressional candidate wrote.
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