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Arizona AG investigating Trump's shooting comments about Liz Cheney as possible death threat

Topline

Former President Donald Trump suggested Thursday that former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes' office, which told Forbes it is investigating whether the comments violated Arizona law, may face legal consequences for his comments.

Important facts

The attorney general's office confirmed to Forbes that it is investigating Trump's comments after an NBC affiliate station in Arizona reported that the former president's comments were being investigated as a potential death threat.

Trump, who has long been criticized by Cheney, a longtime Republican and daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, called Liz a “radical war hawk” during an event with former Fox host Tucker Carlson and said, “Let's see how.” [Cheney] Feels like, you know, with the guns pointed at her face.”

Mayes told 12News during a taping of the “Sunday Square Off” segment that she asked her criminal division chief to look into Trump's comments.

Mayes added that she wasn't ready to make a decision yet on whether the comment was actually a death threat, although she noted that it wasn't helpful as Arizona prepares for Election Day and tries to “make sure “That we keep the peace on our polling stations and in our state.”

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Crucial quote

Cheney responded to Trump's comments Friday morning, comparing Trump to a dictator. He said the U.S. could not be entrusted to “a petty, vindictive, cruel, unstable man who wants to be a tyrant.”

Important background

Cheney is one of Trump's harshest critics. The former Republican lawmaker endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in September “because of the danger posed by Donald Trump.” Her father, Dick, followed suit days later, endorsing Harris and saying U.S. citizens have “a duty to put our country above partisanship to defend our Constitution.” Cheney was one of two Republicans on the May 6 House committee. January, who was in charge of investigating the 2021 attack on the US Capitol. She was also one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump over the Jan. 6 riots.

Further reading

Liz Cheney slams 'dictator' Trump after he suggests guns should be 'pointed at her face' (Forbes)

Liz Cheney says she will vote for Kamala Harris, citing 'danger' posed by Trump (Forbes)

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