Ted Cruz: Trump Aide Grabbing Reporter A ‘Fireable Offense’

Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, appears and speaks at a rally at Abbington Banquets, Monday, March 14, 2016, in Glen Ellyn, Ill. (Bob Chwedyk/Daily Herald via AP)
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Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) on Monday said that assaulting reporters should be a “fireable offense” for campaign staff when asked about allegations that Donald Trump’s campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, grabbed a reporter on the arm and pulled her away from Trump as she was trying to ask a question.

“Of course it’s not appropriate,” Cruz told reporters in Illinois, according to Buzzfeed News. “What a bizarre world we’re in where reporters are forced to ask the question ‘Should political campaign staffers physically assault reporters?'”

“I remember some months ago we were all amazed and joking about the fact the Hillary Clinton campaign used ropes to hold back reporters, to keep them away from Hillary Clinton, and that seemed like the height of disdain from a candidate for reporters and the media,” Cruz continued. “We never envisioned that it would now reach the levels of allegations of significant physical assault. Physically assaulting a reporter is a fireable offense and at the end of the day, the responsibility for any campaign rests with the candidate.”

Cruz also referenced Trump and made a point not to encourage violence when a protester interrupted him during a campaign event in Illinois on Monday, according to the Washington Post.

“Go back to Canada!” a man yelled during a rally, according to the Post.

“I appreciate you being here,” Cruz said in response. “Thank you for being here. Be respectful.”

“See sir, one difference between this and a Donald Trump rally is I’m not asking anyone to punch you in the face,” the Texas senator added, according to the Post.

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