18 Sep 2016

Trump hints at Clinton assassination

11:20 am on 18 September 2016

The United States Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is being criticised for appearing to hint at the assassination of his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton for a second time.

Mr Trump said Mrs Clinton's security officers should give up their guns and "see what happens to her".

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump unveils his 10-point plan to crack down on illegal immigration during a campaigm event inside the Phoenix Convention Center on August 31, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump unveils his 10-point plan to crack down on illegal immigration. Photo: AFP

Speaking at a rally in Miami, the Republican candidate said, apparently sarcastically: "I think that her bodyguards should drop all weapons. They should disarm, right?"

"Take their guns away, she doesn't want guns," he continued.

"Take their guns and let's see what happens to her. Take their guns away. OK, it would be very dangerous."

He told supporters his rival wanted to "destroy your second amendment", referring to the right to bear arms.

Mrs Clinton's team has accused Mr Trump of "inciting people to violence".

Spokesperson Robby Mook said: "Whether this is done to provoke protesters at a rally or casually, or even as a joke, it is an unacceptable quality in anyone seeking the job of Commander in Chief.

"This kind of talk should be out of bounds for a presidential candidate."

Mrs Clinton has called for tighter gun control laws but has also stressed her support for the second amendment, telling the Democratic Party Convention in July, "I'm not here to take away your guns".

Mr Trump sparked anger with similar comments last month, appearing to suggest his supporters could stop his rival Hillary Clinton by exercising their gun rights.

Trump accepts Obama born in USA

Earlier Mr Trump, the main supporter of false claims about the birthplace of current president Barack Obama, has finally said he accepts Mr Obama was born in the US.

But Mr Trump also falsely accused Hillary Clinton's team of starting the so-called 'birther' campaign in 2008.

The 'birther' movement had questioned Hawaii-born Mr Obama's citizenship and therefore his eligibility as president.

Mrs Clinton said Mr Trump had founded his campaign on "this outrageous lie".

Mr Trump said at a campaign event in Washington, "President Barack Obama was born in the United States, period."

"Hillary Clinton and her campaign of 2008 started the birther controversy. I finished it. I finished it. You know what I mean?"

There is no evidence to link Mrs Clinton to the birthers.

-BBC

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