Sen. Murphy’s Claim Of Trump’s ‘Dizzying Campaign To Increase Violence’ Surprises CNN’s Dana Bash

In the aftermath of a mass shooting at Brown University, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy appeared to surprise CNN host Dana Bash during Sunday’s “State of the Union” episode by claiming that President Donald Trump was waging a “dizzying campaign to increase violence.”

At least two people were pronounced dead by authorities and at least nine others were injured after a mass shooting Saturday evening on the campus of Brown University. A manhunt broke out for a suspect believed to be dressed entirely in black; Authorities announced Sunday morning that a person of interest in his 30s had been taken into custody.

Authorities have not released further information because the investigation is ongoing.

Discussing renewed calls for Congress to act on tighter gun restrictions, Bash observed that Rhode Island “already has some pretty strict laws,” adding that the problem had become “much bigger than gun violence.”

Murphy responded by insisting that “laws make a difference,” arguing that states like Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and California have reduced their rates of gun violence, murders and mass shootings due to strict gun laws. After praising his party’s efforts, the Democratic senator then claimed that Trump had engaged in a “campaign” of violence since his return to public office.

“But this is not shocking, because over the last year, President Trump has engaged in a dizzying campaign to increase violence in this country. He is restoring gun rights to criminals and people who have lost the ability to purchase guns. He has eliminated the White House Office of Gun Violence Protection,” Murphy said.

“He stopped funding mental health grants and community gun violence grants that both Republicans and Democrats supported in this 2022 bill. So he engaged in a pretty deliberate campaign to try to make violence more likely in this country,” Murphy added. “I think you’re unfortunately going to see the results of that on the streets of America.”

Democrats have long advocated for stricter gun laws, with states like California – under full Democratic control for 15 years – enforcing some of the strictest regulations for gun owners. In the wake of mass shootings, Democrats and media pundits have routinely publicly advocated for additional restrictions, often denouncing Republicans and President Trump for opposing their efforts. (RELATED: Twelve killed in shooting targeting Jewish community at Australia’s Bondi Beach, police say)

Bash then highlighted Murphy’s accusation and asked him to clarify what he meant about the president’s agenda.

“That’s a pretty big statement. He’s part of a campaign to make violence more likely?” » asked Bash.

WATCH:

“Of course,” Murphy replied. “I mean, he knowingly restores gun rights to dangerous people. He cuts off funding that has bipartisan support to try to interrupt violence in our cities or to try to provide necessary mental health resources to families and children in need. The evidence tells you that when you stop funding mental health, when you stop funding community gun violence programs, when you restore gun rights to dangerous people, you’re going to have a increase in violence that is knowable and predictable.”

Recent gun-related injury statistics show that 46,728 people died from firearms in 2023, based on information collected by the Pew Research Center from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data shows that 58% of all gun-related deaths in the United States were suicides and 38% were murders; the other incidents involved law enforcement, were accidental, or had undetermined circumstances.

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