Trump statement criticized by CBS anchor after assassination attempt: "No call for raising the temperature"

CBS anchor Margaret Brennan criticized former President Trump's social media statement following the attempt on his life Saturday evening, stating that it did not "de-escalate the situation."

"During the shooting in Butler, Pa., CBS News reported that Brennan stated that the individual is currently recovering from injuries. He acknowledged that the event was traumatic, but he also pointed out that there was no call for lowering the temperature, condemning all political violence, and signaling to supporters not to retaliate or escalate the situation."

Trump thanked Secret Service and law enforcement for their quick response to the shooting and offered condolences to the other victims. One other rally attendee was killed, and two others were critically injured, according to reports. The shooter was killed by law enforcement.

"I want to express my deepest condolences to the families of the individuals at the Rally who were killed and injured. The fact that such an act could occur in our country is truly astonishing. At this time, we have no information about the shooter, who has unfortunately passed away. I myself was shot during the incident, with a bullet that entered the upper part of my right ear. I immediately felt the bullet tearing through my skin and heard a whizzing sound, followed by shots. I knew then that something was seriously wrong. Despite the bleeding, I realized what was happening and prayed for God's blessings on America."

Brennan also worried Thursday about the shooting inspiring further violence.

She stated that they were reporting the event as historic, but they were aware of the potential for violence and retaliation, and they did not want to be associated with such actions.

Conservatives online criticized Brennan's remarks, prompting her to address the comments on air and express her concern about Americans feeling "on edge" in the current climate.

In another part of CBS coverage on Saturday, former Obama official Samantha Vinograd stated that the "biggest threat" she was hearing from "officials" was the possibility of "relatiatory violence."

Before the shooting, tensions were already high, and counterterrorism and homeland security officials were concerned that the attempted assassination of Trump would be used as a "rallying cry" on the right to launch attacks on Biden campaign figures, according to Vinograd.

"The use of this type of rhetoric is linked to violence, as we witnessed on January 6, during the attack on Nancy Pelosi's husband, and in numerous other instances," she stated.