Republican Agitators Complain of Violence

WASHINGTON (CN) - After ten Democrats complained that Republican exhortations over the health care bill have predictably lead to violence, House Republican Whip Eric Cantor on Thursday tried to turn the finger of blame toward Democrats, saying they are "fanning the flames" of violence.

A bullet was apparently fired through a window of Cantor's Virginia office. He then complained that Democrats had been using the threats against them into a political weapon.

Cantor's press conference comes after Democrats highlighted a string of threats and vandalism after the House health care vote. Democratic office windows have been broken in three states and federal investigators are looking into a cut gas line at the house of a Virginia lawmaker's brother.

Cantor pointed specifically to Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine and Maryland Democrat Chris Van Hollen, saying their complaints about violence may be making things worse.

Cantor, who speculated that the bullet might be directed at him for being Jewish, joined other lawmakers from both parties in denouncing violence.

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