President Trump shared his thoughts, condolences, and prayers with the New Yorkers affected by Tuesday's terror attack in lower Manhattan. Eight people were killed and 13 injured when the attacker drove a truck into a crowd of pedestrians. The suspect is injured and in custody.
The commander-in-chief quickly followed up his initial message by noting he has ordered Homeland Security to strengthen its vetting process. He also pinned some of the blame on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats who voted through the Diversity Visa Lottery Program.
The terrorist came into our country through what is called the "Diversity Visa Lottery Program," a Chuck Schumer beauty. I want merit based.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 1, 2017
Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), who is not seeking re-election for his U.S. Senate seat thanks in part to his disagreements with Trump's temperament and policies, is again publicly criticizing the president over his take on the deadly terror attack. He signed on to his own Twitter account to defend the Democrat Trump singled out.
Actually, the Gang of 8, including @SenSchumer, did away with the Diversity Visa Program as part of broader reforms. I know, I was there https://t.co/QQFJzPyRzC
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) November 1, 2017
Schumer also spoke up for himself, regrettably noting that it must not be too early to politicize a terror attack.
My full statement in response to President Trump’s proposed funding cuts to anti-terrorism efforts: pic.twitter.com/L0S6K1WkLX
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) November 1, 2017
When interviewed by CNN Wednesday morning, New York Gov. Cuomo said the attacker was "radicalized domestically."
