Super PAC ad features Matthew Shepard’s mother accusing Trump of ‘hate’

A super PAC supporting Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is linking GOP nominee Donald Trump’s rhetoric to the beating death of a gay man in 1998. 

{mosads}In “Hate,” Judy Shepard says some of Trump’s comments remind her of the death of her son, Matthew Shepard.

“I know what can happen as the result of hate. So when I see the hate that Donald Trump has brought to his campaign for president, it terrifies me,” Shepard said. 

“Words have an influence; violence causes pain; hate can rip us apartment. I know what can happen as the result of hate, and Donald Trump should never be our president.” 

Matthew Shepard was found tied to a fence after being beaten and burned by two men he met at a bar in Laramie, Wyo., in 1998. 

The men left Shepard in a comatose state with a fractured skull.

His death was a turning point in the gay rights movement and led to Congress passing legislation aimed at preventing hate crimes. 

“In the aftermath of Matt’s death, my family saw the best of America in the love and support we were shown. So when I see the hate that Donald Trump has brought to his campaign for president, it terrifies me.” 

The $8 million ad buy, launched by Priorities USA, will begin running this week in the swing states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida, Nevada, Iowa, Colorado and New Hampshire.  

“The unspeakable tragedy that Judy Shepard and her family suffered was a sobering reminder of just how dangerous hate can be, and throughout this campaign Donald Trump has trafficked in hatred, bigotry, racism and repeatedly mocked those who were different than him while inciting and even joking about violence,” said Guy Cecil, chief strategist at Priorities USA.