Mayor Eric Adams on Sunday pleaded for the nation to tone down the inflammatory rhetoric that he says led a gunman to make an attempt on the life of former President Donald Trump, grazing his ear but killing one rallygoer and critically injuring two others.
“What happens when a 20-year-old reaches a point where they believe the only way to settle their political differences and disputes is to use an AR-15 or AK-47 or any other form of handgun or weapon? That sends a terrible message,” Adams, a Democrat, said at a press conference at City Hall on Sunday with Joe Borelli, the top Republican leader in the City Council, and the Rev. Al Sharpton, among others. “Political violence is not how we settle how we peacefully transfer power in this country.”
