A Republican lawmaker challenged his colleagues to condemn a social media attack by President Donald Trump against Rob Reiner.
The president suggested the legendary filmmaker might have been murdered alongside his wife Michele Singer Reiner in their own home due to Reiner's outspoken criticism of him, saying "he was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights."
"Regardless of how you felt about Rob Reiner, this inappropriate and disrespectful discourse about a man who was just brutally murdered," posted Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), a frequent target of the president's wrath. "I guess my elected GOP colleagues, the VP, and White House staff will just ignore it because they’re afraid? I challenge anyone to defend it."
Police have arrested the couple's 32-year-old son Nicholas Reiner, who has struggled for much of his life with addiction and endured homelessness, in connection with their slayings and have ascribed no political motivation to the case.
Another Trump-critical Republican joined Massie in speaking out.
"Rob Reiner and his wife were tragically killed at the hands of their own son, who reportedly had drug addiction and other issues, and their remaining children are left in serious mourning and heartbreak," posted Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA). "This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies. Many families deal with a family member with drug addiction and mental health issues. It’s incredibly difficult and should be met with empathy especially when it ends in murder."
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), who represents a swing district north of New York City, added his voice a short time later.
"This statement is wrong," Lawler posted. "Regardless of one’s political views, no one should be subjected to violence, let alone at the hands of their own son. It’s a horrible tragedy that should engender sympathy and compassion from everyone in our country, period."