Sky News has come under attack after a piece about last night’s shooting at a Donald Trump rally appeared to suggest the ex-President “recklessly drove hostility in US politics”.
James Matthews, the broadcaster’s US correspondent, penned an analysis on the horrific shooting.
The analysis was initially headlined: “Nothing justifies an assassination bid - but did Trump play a part in changing the rules of engagement?”
Following a backlash on social media, Sky News appeared to alter the headline and delete the original tweet.
Sky News blames TRUMP for fatal attack as broadcaster slammed for 'defending political violence'
GETTY/REUTERS/TWITTER
The original post, which was viewed by more than 600,000 Twitter users, received just 382 likes but more than 3,600 comments.
Furious members of the public took screenshots of the unamended analysis and GB News downloaded a copy shortly after it was published.
Matthews wrote: “In the aftermath of events in Pennsylvania, there were reminders from Trump opponents about how, in the past, he had joked about the brutal assault on the husband of former Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“Likewise, his downplaying of a kidnap plot against Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer wasn't forgotten.
“No one's claiming that anything justified an assassination attempt but the clear suggestion is that Donald Trump played his part in changing the rules of engagement and recklessly drove hostility in US politics.”
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Matthews' analysis piece was not amended to remove such references.
However, the headline was changed to “US politics is laced with malevolence and division - it needs a reset”.
Responding to the original headline, one social media user said: “Articles like this only add fuel to the fire and incite further violence on all sides.”
Former Tory MP Alexander Stafford added: “Absolutely disgusting tweet from Sky. This whataboutery is all too common in political discourse and disgraceful.
“Just pray for the innocent spectator who died, the innocent spectators who were injured and Trump who was injured.”
IN PICTURES: Donald Trump is finally escorted from stage as crowd rallies to former presidentGETTY IMAGES/TRUMP CAMPAIGN OFFICE/HANDOUTOli London also wrote: “Sky News attempts to blame Trump for attempt on his life claiming he ‘played his part’ in ‘changing the rules of engagement’ whilst suggesting he ‘recklessly drove hostility in US politics’.”
Trump was rushed off stage last night after shots rang out at around 6.13pm local time.
The ex-President, who defiantly raised his fist as he was helped away, appeared to have blood splattered across his face.
Shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was “neutralised” by Secret Service agents.
An audience member was also killed, with another two sustaining serious injuries.
Responding to the incident, Trump said: “I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania.
IN PICTURES: Donald Trump reaches to clutch his ear GETTY IMAGES/TRUMP CAMPAIGN OFFICE/HANDOUT“Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured.
“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country.”
The ex-President added: “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.
“I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.
“Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
GB News has approached Sky News and Matthews for comment.