From a 'day of love' to 'if they spit, we will hit': Trump's about-face on violence against police
NBCMAY 30
Gunman Killed After Attacking Border Patrol Facility in Texas
Above: This photo shows a US Border Patrol patch on a border agent's uniform in McAllen, Texas, on Jan. 15, 2019. Image copyright: Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
While the motive behind this latest attack remains unclear, it is evident that the political climate, marked by extreme rhetoric, has contributed to rising anti-immigration enforcement sentiment. This is reflected in the alarming 700% increase in attacks on ICE officers. Border Patrol agents are putting their lives on the line to protect America's borders, and it is crucial that they are treated with the respect and safety they deserve.
Democratic narrative
Violence against law enforcement is never acceptable, and the right is trying to politicize this latest tragedy by blaming it on those who oppose the Trump administration's draconian immigration policies that engender real hostility. Gun violence is fueled by the confluence of lax gun control and the poor state of mental health care in this country. It's also important to remember that Trump pardoned those who attacked law enforcement at the Capitol on Jan. 6.