Georgia Republican Blames 2020 Civil Unrest on Biden, Despite Trump Being in Office at the Time

Strategic Insights -

George Republican Mike Collins incorrectly attributed the 2020 civil unrest that followed the death of George Floyd to former president Joe Biden, who was not in office at the time. Collins spoke at a press conference, shifting blame from the actual perpetrator, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, a registered Republican who researched the public appearances of Trump, Biden, and then-Attorney General Merrick Garland. Collins linked the violence to Obama's administration, claiming that it was a culture of lawlessness and violence that was fostered under the Obama administration. He also falsely stated that the Biden administration allowed rioters to be bailed out and promoted the violence. The Republican congressman also placed blame on Biden for the "Summer of Love," a period of widespread rioting and protests across the nation, despite Biden being a presidential candidate at the time. Collins's statements come as President Trump faced criticism for his handling of the 2020 protests, including the staging of a photo op outside a Washington, D.C., church where he used tear gas and rubber bullets to clear protesters.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rep. Mike Collins, a Georgia Republican, blamed the 2020 civil unrest that followed the death of George Floyd on former president Joe Biden, who was not in office at the time.
  • Collins incorrectly stated that the Biden administration allowed rioters to be bailed out and promoted the violence during the "Summer of Love."
  • The Republican congressman linked the violence to the Obama administration, claiming that it was a culture of lawlessness and violence that was fostered under the Obama administration.
  • President Trump faced criticism for his handling of the 2020 protests, including the staging of a photo op outside a Washington, D.C., church where he used tear gas and rubber bullets to clear protesters.
  • Collins'sstatements come as President Trump was in office at the time of the protests.

Statistics:

  • 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, a registered Republican, was the perpetrator of the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump.
  • The protests that followed the death of George Floyd saw thousands of people take to the streets in protest against police brutality and racism, according to a CNBC report at the time.
  • President Trump's approval rating dropped to 38% after his handling of the 2020 protests was widely criticized.

Sources:

  • Mediaite
  • CNBC
  • Getty Images