NEW YORK, N.Y. — Fox News host Jesse Watters sounded off on Thursday night over a string of violent incidents across the United States that he linked to far-left activism, accusing the media and political establishment of downplaying or ignoring attacks he says are politically motivated.
In a segment on Jesse Watters Primetime, the host described what he called “the return of the Summer of Love,” referencing a rise in attacks that included firebombed Teslas, arson at IVF clinics, and an attempted attack on the Pennsylvania governor’s residence. Watters also addressed the recent murder of two Israeli diplomats in Washington, D.C., which authorities say was carried out execution-style.
“The Summer of Love is back, and we haven’t even made it to Memorial Day,” Watters said, recounting a series of incidents he attributed to left-wing extremists. “They’re not mostly peaceful.”
According to Watters, the D.C. shooting suspect—31-year-old Elias Rodriguez, a former member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation and a known Biden donor—was arrested on the scene after allegedly yelling “Free Palestine” and being briefly mistaken for a victim. Eyewitness accounts described Rodriguez receiving water from a bystander before being subdued by security personnel.
Law enforcement officials say they recovered a manifesto containing pro-Hamas rhetoric and anti-American statements from Rodriguez’s residence in Chicago, which was raided by tactical teams hours after the attack. Social media posts linked to the suspect reportedly praised prior political violence, including the murder of a healthcare executive earlier this year.
Suspect linked to socialist groups and pro-Palestinian protests
Rodriguez’s background includes visible support for Palestinian causes and past affiliation with political activist groups. A photograph of a Palestinian child killed in violence overseas was displayed in his apartment window, neighbors told investigators.
Pam Bondi, a former Florida attorney general, said law enforcement is pursuing the case with urgency. “We will follow the facts. We will follow the law,” Bondi stated. “This defendant, if charged, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Despite the arrest and circulating evidence, some media outlets have stated that a motive is still under investigation. Watters criticized the response, suggesting a double standard in how politically charged violence is covered.
“CNN says it’s Trump’s fault,” he said. “They called Trump Hitler, but now they don’t want to rush to conclusions.”
During the segment, Watters also showed footage of left-wing campus protests and fire damage from recent incidents. He claimed these demonstrations and acts of destruction are being encouraged or tolerated by progressive leaders.
Political fallout grows amid rising tensions
The response to the shooting and other recent incidents has ignited debate in Washington, with some Republicans blaming progressive rhetoric for escalating violence. Watters cited past remarks by members of Congress who characterized conservatives as dangerous, arguing that political discourse has created an environment for extremist acts.
The FBI has not publicly confirmed whether the D.C. attack was ideologically motivated, but sources say federal agents are examining Rodriguez’s connections and communications leading up to the shooting.
In the aftermath, campus protests continue across the country, and some Republican lawmakers are pushing for restrictions on foreign student enrollment at universities accused of tolerating antisemitic or violent rhetoric.
Tensions remain high as investigators work to determine the scope of the suspect’s motives and affiliations, and whether others may have been involved.
