Following a terrorist attack in France, President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on Democrats to focus on border security. Neither has anything to do with the other.
"Another very bad terror attack in France," Trump tweeted. "We are going to strengthen our borders even more. Chuck and Nancy must give us the votes to get additional Border Security!"
On Tuesday, a gunman opened fire at a Christmas market in Strasbourg, France, killing two people and injuring 14 others. French authorities labeled the shooting a terrorist attack early Wednesday.
“Once again, terrorism has struck our territory, in Strasbourg,” said Paris Prosecutor Rémy Heitz.
The suspect, a 29-year-old French citizen with 27 prior criminal convictions in France, Germany and Switzerland, is believed to have been radicalized during "one of his many stints in prison and was known to security services," according to The Washington Post.
On Wednesday, Strasbourg Mayor Roland Reis declared a state of mourning.
“Faced with this aggression, what must we do?” he said at news conference. “My first thought was that it was essential that today be entirely dedicated to mourning.”
Based on the facts, Trump's attempt to connect the attack to American immigration issues makes no sense.
Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA) knocked the president for his "despicable statements that use the deaths of innocent people" to make a political point. "Get your facts straight," Lieu demanded.
Trump is not going to change.
Does Trump realize France does not border the United States?
Trump was dragged hard on social media.
Is it willful blindness? Arrogance? Whatever the case, Trump is avoiding the bigger issue.
Activist Qasim Rashid noted that the suspect was known to French authorities because of his criminal record and asked Trump why he is "wholly silent" on white supremacist "terror & violence" in the United States.
Rashid has a point.
Trump's aversion to truth comes as no shock.
On Tuesday, Trump warned House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) he would be "proud to shut down the government" if Democrats refuse to give him funding for a border wall with Mexico.
