Robert De Niro says Trump has blood on his hands over mass shootings in US

The Irishman actor says gunmen are ‘inspired’ by US president and ‘what he’s allowed’

Olivia Petter
Tuesday 29 October 2019 14:15 GMT
Comments
Robert De Niro calls Donald Trump a gangster

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Robert De Niro has said that President Trump has blood on his hands in light of mass shootings in the US.

In an interview with British GQ, the actor addresses the fact that the suspect arrested for killing 22 people in a shooting in El Paso, Texas, in August mirrored Trump’s anti-immigration stance.

A message believed by US police officials to have been written by the gunman states a specific intention to target immigrants and prevent a “Hispanic invasion of Texas”.

When asked whether or not the US president has blood on his hands, De Niro replied: “Yeah. I think he does. And everyone is realising that now, more and more.

"It’s so preposterous that the NRA has a grip on the Republicans. It’s all about money. They’re beyond shame.”

The 76-year-old actor went on to link the increase of mass shootings to the president.

“Those [gunmen] are crazy people, but they’re inspired by Trump and what he’s allowed,” he said.

“It’s all subtle but it’s all there. He’s allowed it. He starts it. He encourages it.”

De Niro has become famed for his eviscerating takedowns of Trump, previously calling him a “low life” and a “gangster”.

Speaking to Variety in a recent interview, the Taxi Driver star said: “I hope he gets impeached, it has to be followed through. He’s such a low life. He taints everybody around him.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in