Donald Trump falsely claims media ignored North Dakota teen’s death

Former President Donald Trump falsely claimed nationwide media retailers ignored a deadly crash in North Dakota the place the motive force allegedly stated he hit an 18-year-old as a result of {the teenager} was Republican.

Throughout a Friday evening rally in Wilmington, Trump weighed in on the Sept. 18 loss of life of Cayler Ellingson. Shannon Joseph Brandt, 41, of Glenfield, N.D., hit the Grace Metropolis, N.D., teenager with a car after a avenue dance in McHenry, N.D., in line with state troopers.

Brandt informed the North Dakota Freeway Patrol he hit Ellingson that Sunday morning due to a political argument, a prison criticism stated. Specifics of the argument weren’t disclosed within the criticism, however Brandt reportedly informed dispatchers Ellingson was a part of a Republican extremist group. Brandt claimed Ellingson referred to as a number of folks to return after him, the criticism stated.

Ellingson’s funeral was Monday. A GoFundMe account has raised about $52,000 for bills.

Brandt’s claims have sparked criticism from well-known Republicans throughout the nation, together with questions on why the defendant was charged with prison vehicular murder as an alternative of homicide. Each are felony costs, however homicide carries a life sentence. Felony vehicular murder is punishable by as much as 20 years in jail.

Some have additionally requested why Brandt was launched on a $50,000 bond.

The Foster County State’s Lawyer’s Workplace declined to touch upon why Brandt was charged with prison vehicular murder. A message left for Decide James Hovey, who set Brandt’s bond, was not returned.

Trump pointed at journalists protecting his rally in North Carolina, saying they need to be ashamed of themselves for not publishing tales in regards to the crash.

“Not one mainstream media community has even talked about this horrible crime,” Trump claimed. “Consider it the opposite approach. Supposing a MAGA particular person ran down any person on the opposite aspect. It will be the largest story you’d ever seen. It’s a shame.”

The Discussion board first reported the crash Sept. 18, and adopted up final week with particulars in regards to the incident after the Foster County State’s Lawyer’s Workplace filed prison costs Sept. 19. InForum first revealed particulars of the criticism Sept. 19.

A number of nationwide media retailers, together with Fox Information, CNN, the Related Press and the Washington Publish, picked up on the story after InForum.

The Discussion board was additionally the primary to report that state troopers have been skeptical that the crash was politically motivated. No proof helps Brandt’s claims about Ellingson, together with that {the teenager} referred to as folks to go after the motorist.

Brandt made the statements when he was allegedly drunk, and it’s not unusual for folks to say issues to cowl up a criminal offense, stated Freeway Patrol Capt. Bryan Niewind. The patrol stated it continues to research the case.