What Say You, Undersheriff Leirstein?

ERG, like millions of our fellow Americans, was shocked and sickened by the dramatic events of the afternoon of July 13th in Butler, PA.

We are thankful that former President Donald Trump, providentially and literally, dodged a bullet. Tragically, Corey Comperatore (a father, husband, and firefighter) lost his life. Our sincere condolences to the family. We hope forthcoming congressional hearings offer illumination into why a 20-year-old loner was able to commit such an evil act. We agree with those who think that the U.S. Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle should resign.

Given the gravity of the moment, ERG was disheartened to learn of a hateful social media post by Eva Leirstein, who promoted political violence with this message: “Aside from this obviously being staged, I wish the guy they paid had better aim.” A photo of a bloodied Donald Trump was included (pictured).

Eva Leirstein is the adult daughter of Matt Leirstein, the undersheriff of Emmet County who is running for sheriff and whose candidacy has been endorsed by Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin.

Since national security and law enforcement protocols are under intense scrutiny, ERG feels that Leirstein, who is also running as a Republican and, we assume, a Trump supporter, has a duty to voters to issue a statement.

We understand that families don’t always agree, especially regarding politics. No one should be ‘cancelled’ for airing their point of view. However, most folks don’t run for public office in the public safety space during an assassination attempt on a former president.

ERG, as well as Brett Gooding, a retired Michigan State Police sergeant who is running for Emmet County Commissioner, reached out to Leirstein for comment. As of this writing, neither Gooding nor ERG has received a reply. If we do hear back, his response will be included in an update.