Trump: ‘Crazy Shooters’ Target Only ‘Consequential Presidents’

President Trump offered a blunt explanation on Monday for why he believes gunmen target him. Speaking to a White House audience at an event honoring families of people killed by undocumented immigrants, Trump said “crazy shooters” go after leaders who have real influence.

“They only go after consequential presidents,” Trump said. “They don’t go after non-consequential presidents.” Citing assassinated leaders such as Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, he suggested he sees himself in the same category of “consequential” leaders. Trump then joked, “So, maybe I want to be a little less consequential,” drawing polite chuckles from the audience, according to the New York Post.

Trump’s remarks came a day after law enforcement officers shot and killed 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin inside the secure perimeter of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump was in Washington at the time, and no protectees were on the property, officials said.

Authorities reported that Martin, who had been reported missing by his family in North Carolina, drove about 700 miles to Florida carrying a shotgun and a gas can. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said Martin ignored commands to drop the items and was fatally shot when he “raised the shotgun to a shooting position.” Investigators have not confirmed whether the weapon was loaded or if Martin fired.

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