While I agree with the silliness of this assassination attempt, saying he didn't directly abuse anyone sounds weaselly and slippery. Playing with words. A typical politician's version of lying, if you know what I mean.He said he hasn’t ever directly racially abused anyone. That is very much saying it didn’t happen.
I might, for instance, say that all Jews should be wiped out and are a cancer on Earth but never actually insult any Jews personally. Would that be ok? Would that make me less of an antisemite?