Ronald Reagan's daughter, Patti Davis, was among the many Americans outraged by Donald Trump's threat that gun owners should do something to stop his opponent from nominating liberal judges.
Davis, an author and anti-nuclear weapons activist, reminded the Republican presidential nominee that her father had been shot and wounded shortly after his inauguration by a would-be assassin who was inspired by an unwitting celebrity.
"I am the daughter of a man who was shot by someone who got his inspiration from a movie, someone who believed if he killed the President the actress from that movie would notice him," Davis wrote in a Facebook post published late Wednesday.
She reminded the real estate developer and former reality TV star that his supporters take his words seriously, even he doesn't.
"Your glib and horrifying comment about 'Second Amendment people' was heard around the world," Davis said. "It was heard by sane and decent people who shudder at your fondness for verbal violence."
Davis said Trump's words were also heard by Americans who are mentally disturbed or looking for permission to commit acts of political violence.
"It was heard by your supporters, many of whom gleefully and angrily yell, 'Lock her up!' at your rallies," Davis reminded Trump. "It was heard by the person sitting alone in a room, locked in his own dark fantasies, who sees unbridled violence as a way to make his mark in the world, and is just looking for ideas."
Trump and his campaign have said the remarks were both a joke and a serious call for gun owners to vote, although he said only "Second Amendment people" could do anything once Hillary Clinton is able to pick judges -- which can't happen until after she's elected.
"Yes, Mr. Trump, words matter," Davis said. "But then you know that, which makes this all even more horrifying."
