Colorado Springs Representative Alleges FBI Involvement In Plot Against Trump
KUSA TV Denver reported that Colorado State Rep. Scott Bottoms claimed the FBI orchestrated an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
During a sermon, State Rep. Scott Bottoms attributed an alleged plot against former President Donald Trump to the FBI, providing no supporting evidence.
Vocal Assertions from the Pulpit
Last Sunday, Rep. Scott Bottoms took to his pulpit at the Church at Briargate in Colorado Springs to make his controversial claim.
Bottoms, who also serves as the church's lead pastor, informed his congregation about the supposed FBI-led plot, which failed due to divine intervention.
"The only reason the FBI plot didn't kill Trump is because Trump is protected by God," declared Bottoms during his sermon. He used these provocative statements to stir emotions amongst his parishioners, linking these alleged events to a larger conspiracy theory.
Bottoms further claimed that the plot's failure would have ripple effects on the forthcoming presidential election in November. "We're not gonna have a presidential election," he warned.
History of Controversial Statements
This is not the first time Rep. Bottoms has made headlines for his unconventional views and statements.
Well-known within his constituency and beyond for his fiery rhetoric, Bottoms has previously asserted that the FBI was involved in orchestrating the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, attempting to lure the rioters to carry out the assault.
He is also a proponent of QAnon conspiracy theories and has been vocal on various national issues, painting them with a conspiratorial brush. In line with his typical narrative style, his latest claims continued to align with this pattern of controversial, evidence-free declarations.
In January 2024, Bottoms faced reprimand from the Democratic House Speaker after he accused fellow legislators of being "pedophiles" during a heated session, illustrating his penchant for incendiary and polarizing remarks.
Local Political Dynamics
Despite these controversies, Bottoms holds support from significant figures within his party. Dave Williams, Chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, has openly supported Bottoms through his various controversies. This alliance highlights the political fractures and the backdrop of partisanship that often marks Colorado state politics.
Recently, Bottoms experienced a setback in his political career, watching his loss in the GOP primary for Colorado’s 5th Congressional District from his church with supporters. The event was a poignant moment for Bottoms, reflecting on the challenges and critiques he has faced from within and outside his party.
His unique position as both a state representative and a pastor allows him to influence his followers from both a religious and a political platform, intertwining his roles to engage and mobilize his base with his contentious viewpoints.
Examining the Broader Implications
"I’m not talking about the Democratic Major," Bottoms elucidated to his audience, "I’m talking about the people that are controlling our country. The people that have been controlling the FBI, controlling the State Department." His sermon aimed to underline what he perceives as a covert power manipulating significant US institutions.
"This is just the beginning," he stated ominously, "They need that man dead." His sermon painted a dire picture of the stakes involved, turning his speech into a call for vigilance among his followers.
The crescendo of his sermon and the responses it elicited underscores the deep divisions and the power of rhetoric to shape political narratives, reflecting a deeply polarized political landscape.
In summation, State Rep. Scott Bottoms has stirred considerable controversy with his claim of an FBI-led plot against Donald Trump. Embedding his political stance in spiritual narratives, he continues to be a polarizing figure, supported by key Republican figures despite his contentious standing.
His statements shape and reflect the broader tensions within American politics, emphasizing the intersecting influence of religion, conspiracy theories, and political allegiance.