ROCK HILL, S.C. — Days after a suspected chemical gas attack killed more than 40 people in Syria, President Donald Trump is taking to social media with a warning to Russia if it gets involved.
The government of Bashar Assad has denied responsibility for the gas attack in the town of Douma, a formerly rebel-held area of that country.
But horrific images of children suffering have escalated the war of words between the U.S. and Russia.
Trump’s comments Wednesday are stirring up concerns among some local veterans, as well.
Scenes of horror from the suspected gas attack in Syria are revolting to Harvey Mayhill, who served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War.
Mayhill told Channel 9 the U.S. has a duty to the rest of the world. He said now is a time to show leadership.
"The United States has always been a big brother to the entire world, not as a bully, but as a big brother, to step in and try and stop some of these things," he said.
On Wednesday, Russia announced it is sending a force to the region where the reported gas attack happened to counter any retaliation against Syria. That prompted Trump to send the following tweet:
"Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!'
You shouldn't be partners with a gas-killing animal who kills his people and enjoys it!"
While those strong words will rally some supporters of the president, others are voicing concern.
'"It could get way out of control, very fast," York County veteran J.J. Mattingly said.
Mattingly served on a nuclear submarine during the Cold War.
He supports the president but worries that no one has proven yet who ordered and carried out the attack against the Syrian people.
"It's been a mass confusion since it began and we need to be very careful," he said.
"I think we need to be sure of our facts and get some solid evidence of who launched that attack in Syria."