The BBC has faced renewed pressure after presenter David Aaronovitch joked about Donald Trump being “murdered” just days before a lone gunman opened fire at the ex-President’s rally last night.
Aaronovitch, 70, doubled down on his “satirical” post about Trump which was shared on social media on July 1.
He deleted the post and instead stressed critics were misinterpreting his remarks about the 45th President.
“If I was Biden,” Aaronovitch wrote, “I’d hurry up and have Trump murdered on the basis that he is a threat to America’s security.”
BBC sparks FURY after presenter joked Trump should be 'murdered' just DAYS ahead of rally attack
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Frustrations about Aaronovitch’s initial comment and the BBC’s handling of the social media “joke” dominated social media platforms earlier today.
“The BBC still haven’t sacked David Aaronovitch over this tweet,” a social media user pointed out.
“It tells you everything you need to know about that rotten corporation.”
Another user claimed: “Why is David Aaronovitch still employed by the BBC for his post, calling for Trump’s assassination? He is now playing the victim card.”
Speaking to GB News this morning, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage voiced concern about Aaronovitch’s comments and highlighted incidents which have taken place on British soil.
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Donald Trump (left) and Nigel Farage (right)
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He said: “It's amazing that when in the European elections in 2019 someone threw a milkshake straight in my face, Jo Brand, the comedian, said on the BBC comedy program, ‘why waste your time with that, better to use battery acid’ and she's still appearing on the BBC.
“We've had David Aaronovitch, the left-wing journalist, wrote in the Times, does a BBC Radio Four programme, said about five weeks ago that the best thing the Democrats could do is have Trump shot. And he's still working for the Times. He's still working for the BBC.
“I'm sorry, but there is too much of this. It's kind of acceptable to say violent, horrible things about right-wing people, but if I said something about somebody in the Labour Party anywhere near that, I mean, I'd be out in the House of Commons within 24 hours.
“We need to have a proper re-think. Yes, there are bad things said on both sides but I do believe that the role of mainstream media has a lot to do with this.”
However, not everyone appeared to condemn Aaronovitch for his controversial comments.
Donald Trump mouths 'fight' to crowd after being shot in the earGETTY IMAGES/TRUMP CAMPAIGN OFFICE/HANDOUTBritain’s strictest headteacher Katharine Birbalsingh, who regularly appears on GB News, said: “To those on the Right criticising David Aaronovitch for what was clearly a joke … you can’t also believe in free speech and not be a hypocrite.”
Aaronovitch also responded to criticism from Farage on social media.
He said: “You missed out the crucial part of that tweet, Sccotus, which clearly referred to that day’s ruling by the Supreme Court on presidential immunity which I thought gave dangerous licence to illegal acts. You know this perfectly well. So why did you omit it?”
Last night’s shooting resulted in the death of an audience member and two other people sustained injuries.
GB News has approached the BBC for comment.