U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s comment on Mollie Tibbetts’ murder trial sent prematurely

CEDAR RAPIDS — A comment from U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson on the trial of the man accused in the 2018 killing of Mollie Tibbetts was sent prematurely Friday morning while the jury still was deliberating.

Hinson’s congressional office confirmed the news release, headlined as a “statement on guilty verdict in Mollie Tibbetts trial,” was issued in error and a clarification was sent to media outlets.

In the body of the message, Hinson’s comment was described as a “statement on the conclusion of the trial.”

Testimony in the trial of Cristhian Bahena Rivera, who was accused of stabbing Tibbetts and leaving her body in a cornfield near Brooklyn, Iowa, concluded earlier this week. The jury began deliberations late Thursday before returning a guilty verdict early Friday afternoon.

According to Hinson’s statement: “Mollie Tibbetts’ death was absolutely tragic, and my heart has been with her family during this unimaginably difficult time. I believe justice was served in this case and hope the Tibbetts’ family can find closure. We have to work to ensure that no other family endures what the Tibbetts’ family has gone through.”

Watch video highlights from the trial:

Hinson’s not the first Iowa member of Congress to hit the “send” button prematurely.

On Dec. 6, 2015, Sen. Joni Ernst congratulated the University of Iowa Hawkeye football team on its victory over Michigan State University.

“Congrats @hawkeyefootball on the big win,” she posted on Twitter as the Hawkeyes led 13-9 in the closing minutes of the game. However, in the final seconds, the Spartans scored to capture a 16-13 victory.

Later, Ernst tweeted, “Sorry for staff error. @hawkeyefootball had a great season. Extraordinary effort tonight.”

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