Aide Fired by Jan. 6 Panel Chair After Controversial 'Don't Miss Next Time' Post on Trump Shooting

Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), former chairman of the January 6 Committee, confirmed on Sunday the termination of his field director, Jacqueline Marsaw, after she posted an inflammatory comment on social media following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The incident has drawn significant backlash, prompting Thompson to act swiftly.

The controversy began when Marsaw posted on Facebook about the gunman needing “shooting lessons so you don’t miss next time” after Trump survived an attempt on his life during a rally in Pennsylvania. Although the post was quickly deleted, a screenshot had already circulated on social media, leading to widespread outrage.

Key Points:

• Immediate Termination: Marsaw was fired after her inappropriate social media post.

• Attack on Trump: The former president was shot in the ear, with one bystander killed and two others seriously injured.

• Thompson’s Response: Thompson condemned political violence and clarified the legislative implications for Trump's Secret Service protection.

“I was made aware of a post made by a staff member and she is no longer in my employment,” Thompson stated, according to Fox News. The Mississippi GOP and others had been calling for Marsaw’s dismissal, and Thompson's decision came amid mounting pressure.

Marsaw defended her post, claiming it was meant to be humorous and not taken seriously. “I got overwhelmed in the moment,” Marsaw said. “I am a diehard Democrat.”

The Secret Service reported that their personnel neutralized the shooter, who was approximately 150 yards away from the stage where Trump had been speaking. Marsaw’s comment, posted shortly after this incident, was seen as highly inappropriate and incendiary.

Thompson took to X to denounce political violence and expressed relief that Trump survived the attack. “There is no room in American democracy for political violence. I am grateful for law enforcement’s fast response to this incident,” he wrote. “I am glad the former President is safe, and my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved.”

Thompson is also under scrutiny for a bill he introduced in April, which could strip Trump or any other individual of Secret Service protection upon felony conviction. Trump was convicted on multiple felony counts in a New York hush-money case in May, though sentencing has been delayed as Trump seeks to overturn the conviction.

Thompson clarified that his bill would not have impacted the Secret Service's presence at the Pennsylvania rally and would only apply if Trump is sentenced to prison and under the custody of another law enforcement agency.

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