The US Secret Service reports that it is “aware” of an Elon Musk social media post claiming that “no one is even trying” to kill Vice President Kamala Harris or President Joe Biden.
Since then, Musk has removed the post and stated that it was meant to be humorous.
His statement on X (previously Twitter) was made barely hours after there was a possible attempt on Donald Trump’s life on last Sunday at his Florida golf course.
The tech mogul and Trump are close allies, with Trump promising to appoint Musk to lead a “government efficiency commission” in the event that he wins election to a second term in office.
“ ‘Aware’ of Elon Musk’s post about Harris and Biden, the Secret Service”
The White House denounced the tweet and said in a statement that “this rhetoric is irresponsible”.
“There should be no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country,” the statement stated, adding that “violence should not be condemned, never encouraged, or joked about.”
The US Secret Service only acknowledged being “aware” of the message when contacted by the BBC.
“As a matter of practice we do not comment on matters involving protective intelligence,” the statement continued. “We can say, however, that the Secret Service investigates all threats related to our protectees.”
“One lesson I’ve learnt is that just because I say something to a group and they laugh doesn’t mean it’s going to be all that hilarious as a post on X,” tweeted Musk after removing the post.
“Turns out that jokes are way less funny if people don’t know the context and the delivery is in plain text,” a post that followed said.
Following a subsequent attempt on the former president’s life during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, the divisive tech tycoon, who is seen as a close ally of Trump, publicly backed him.
The attacker attempted to shoot more than once, wounding Trump and killing a rallygoer.
Since then, Mr. Musk has frequently reposted or tweeted statements endorsing Trump and disparaging Biden and Harris.
Source:BBC
