When a gunman opened fire near the White House Correspondents' Dinner over the weekend, politicians across the country were quick to respond. Representative James Talarico (D-TX) condemned the shooting, but what happened at his church the very next day has put him in an uncomfortable spotlight.
Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from California, has been charged with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump following the shooting at the Washington D.C. Hilton. It marked what many are calling the third assassination attempt on the president.
President Trump later said he "wasn't worried" and that he understands "we live in a crazy world." The White House confirmed Trump was satisfied with the Secret Service's response, though Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt did not rule out possible changes to security protocols, with a security review meeting scheduled for this week.
Allen was also charged with weapons offenses and did not enter a plea.
Rep. Talarico released a statement shortly after the incident expressing relief that the President, Vice President, and dinner attendees were safe. "Political violence is unacceptable in every form, and we must continue to call it out wherever it rears its ugly head," he wrote.
On the surface, it was a straightforward condemnation that many politicians on both sides of the aisle echoed. However, the following day, footage surfaced from Talarico's church that told a different story.
Talarico's Church's Statement
During a sermon, the pastor brought up the assassination attempt, and members of the congregation laughed. The pastor went on to describe Trump and Republicans as "fascistic" and suggested the America they want to return to is "the Confederate States of America, not the United States of America."
The pastor also stressed that violence is not the answer, saying "it's really, really important if we are going to be the healing agents of the world to realize that violence is not going to get rid of the problem." But for many, the laughter in the room was hard to overlook.
The moment drew swift criticism.
NRSC Regional Press Secretary Samantha Cantrell said it's "hard to believe James Talarico is serious about condemning political violence while he stands by and helps his pastor radicalize an entire congregation."
Talarico has not publicly responded to the criticism surrounding his church's reaction, leaving many wondering where he stands.
The incident raises a bigger question: can a politician's public statements and their private community's actions ever truly be separated?
