Mike Levin Under Fire For Past Anti-Trump Rhetoric Following Assassination Attempt On Former President

Levin’s remarks were included in a statement calling on President Joe Biden to “pass the torch” to a new leader after Biden’s recent debate performance against Trump in late June.

California Democrat Rep. Mike Levin is facing backlash from his constituents after labeling former President Donald Trump an “incalculable threat” to the United States less than 24 hours before a lone gunman nearly assassinated Trump.

“We must prevail against the incalculable threat that Donald Trump poses to the American institutions of freedom and democracy,” Levin said in a July 12 news release. 

Trump survived an assassination attempt on Saturday after 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire at the GOP presidential nominee from a rooftop outside his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. 

Although Trump’s right ear was only grazed by a bullet, one of his supporters was killed protecting his family, while two others were critically injured. The motive for the attack is still under investigation, but many have pointed to the extreme rhetoric from liberal politicians, celebrities, and legacy media as a contributing factor.

Levin, who represents the Golden State’s 49th Congressional District, which includes North County San Diego and South Orange County, included the remarks in a statement calling on President Joe Biden to “pass the torch” to a new leader after Biden’s recent debate performance against Trump in late June.

But he asserted to his constituents and supporters that "Trump actively seeks oblique authoritarianism and to overthrow the values which have guided us towards justice and prosperity for nearly two and a half centuries.”

Although Levin has since joined the chorus of Democrat lawmakers condemning political violence, such past assertions have outraged members of his district.

John Gresko, who is running for Central Committee Member in Assembly District 71, said Levin’s “rhetoric is inflammatory and serves only to further divide your constituents.” 

“In light of yesterday’s assassination attempt, it is imperative that you disavow your intentionally exaggerated tone,” Gresko said.

Gresko, a California-based architect endorsed by the Republican Party in Orange County, and several Republican lawmakers have attributed Democrats' rhetoric to the assassination attempt against former President Trump.

“Given the context, it seems that your extreme position renders you unsuitable for the office of a U.S. Congressman,” Gresko said. “It is time to reject divisive rhetoric and actions.”

Biden has not explicitly called on Democrats to stop using anti-Trump rhetoric following the assassination attempt. However, he has urged all Americans to "lower the temperature in our politics" and to avoid viewing political opponents as enemies.