Trump's smear campaign of congresswoman asking about Niger cover-up leads to death threats

Donald Trump is trying to run away from his responsibilities and his role in authorizing the doomed Niger raid that led to four American soldiers being murdered. As he prioritizes his own political fortunes over American lives, one of the leading voices demanding answers has had her life threatened.

The Miami Herald reports that Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) has not been able to vote in the House after death threats issued by elements favorable to Trump. Wilson last voted on Oct. 12 before the House went on break. She has had to miss 19 votes held between Oct. 23 and 25.

A source told the Herald that these threats to her life are preventing the congresswoman from exercising her duty that the people of Florida elected her for.

“Nothing else would keep her from voting,” the source said.

Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL) told the Herald, “I’ve heard that she’s received substantial death threats and I think she is doing everything she can to ratchet down and let some of us, including me, take over.”

Police are investigating a Facebook post that read, “Need ten good men to help carry out a lynching,” adding, “Must have own horse and saddle. Rope will be provided. This congresswomen [sic] is a disgusting pig. Someone should take their boot to her face.” The threat was posted alongside a photo of Wilson.

The threats come as Wilson has been pushing for answers about how and why the servicemen were killed. In a press release, she discussed “the necessary task of uncovering the circumstances surrounding the ambush and working to help ensure that our soldiers have all of the resources and support that they need while putting their lives on the line to keep others safe.”

She also told CNN that Trump “needs to investigate this very, very closely because I will be making sure that Congress does that.”

Trump signaled to his supporters that Wilson should be a target of their ire, describing her as “Wacky Congresswoman Wilson” after she emerged as a voice on this issue.

Wilson exposed how Trump was disrespectful to Myeshia Johnson, the widow of Army Sgt. La David Johnson, who was killed in the attack. One survivor described Johnson’s actions on the day of the attack, saying Johnson “is a true war hero.”

Trump is trying to deny responsibility for what happened, telling reporters he didn’t personally authorize the mission. Trump is the commander in chief, and what happens in the field of battle is ultimately his responsibility.

Reports indicate that, among other issues, the mission did not have sufficient support in place to protect the soldiers if things went badly. Additionally, it is unclear why Johnson’s dead body was separated from the rest of the team and why there was a gap of hours between when most of the people were evacuated and when his body was taken away.

Those are the vital issues being raised by leaders like Wilson, and there is now a campaign connected with violence trying to shut her up.