During an appearance on MSNBC’s “The Last Word” on Friday, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) suggested that recent shootings, including one at a Texas ICE facility, may be tied to the FBI being “distracted” by prosecutions connected to President Donald Trump. He framed the attack as a “political assassination” and questioned the FBI’s ability to protect the public while pursuing legal cases involving Trump.
Swalwell claimed, “Americans are being squeezed in every way,” and argued that public trust is shaken when media coverage focuses on legal actions against political opponents. He went on to link the ICE facility shooting to broader political violence, calling it “the second political assassination in the last three weeks.”
The shooting in question occurred earlier in the week at an ICE detention center in Texas. A gunman reportedly opened fire, killing one detainee and injuring another. The suspect may have been targeting ICE officials. Swalwell noted that the shooter had an online presence, suggesting a possible ideological motive, though no official motive has yet been confirmed.
Swalwell questioned whether the FBI, in pursuing prosecutions related to President Trump, has been too distracted to prevent violent acts. “Are they able to protect the public from sick individuals who are willing to carry out these sick executions?” he asked.
The congressman’s remarks draw a direct line between federal law enforcement’s current priorities and their ability to address growing threats of political violence. His comments imply that resources focused on Trump-related cases might be undermining national security. Critics have called the statement politically charged, while others see it as part of a broader attempt to redirect public concern toward Trump and his influence on law enforcement actions.
