The Wednesday ambush of a group of Republican members of Congress practicing for an annual baseball game rippled through Georgia's 6th Congressional District race as reports spread that the gunman posted disparaging remarks about Karen Handel on social media.
Both Handel and Democrat Jon Ossoff scrambled to address the shooting, which injured five and left the gunman mortally wounded, first posting messages on Twitter condemning the act of violence and following it up with longer statements.
The gunman, identified by police as 66-year-old James T. Hodgkinson, had a history of fervent and sometimes explicit comments on social media opposing President Donald Trump and his Republican allies.
In a June 8 Facebook post, Hodgkinson's Facebook account called Handel an expletive for her comment during last week's 6th District debate that she does "not support a livable wage." "Vote Blue, It's Right for You!" the post read.
In a statement, Handel said she was aware of the “vile comments” and called for civil discourse.
“We must all refuse to allow the politics of our country to be defined in this way,” she said. “Now, more than ever, we must unite as one nation under God. It is incumbent upon all of us to work together in a civil and productive way, even when we disagree.”
Asked about the Facebook post, Ossoff called it “sickening” and said the nation is united in prayer for those fighting for their lives and appreciation of those who saved lives.
“Despite our differences of opinion, Americans must redouble our commitments to national unity, civility and the rule of law,” Ossoff said.
6th DISTRICT RUNOFF
Republican Karen Handel and Democrat Jon Ossoff face each other in a runoff Tuesday to fill the congressional seat Tom Price vacated to become secretary of health and human services.
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