Denver’s mayor is facing criticism for taking a flight to visit family over the Thanksgiving holiday, despite warning residents of his city against traveling in order to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
A spokeswoman for Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock, a Democrat, confirmed to NBC 9 News that he boarded a flight to Houston, Texas, on Wednesday to visit his daughter in Mississippi. His wife is reportedly already there.
Roughly half an hour before the flight, the mayor posted a tweet urging citizens to “avoid travel, if they can” and to host virtual gatherings instead of hosting dinners.
Pass the potatoes, not COVID.
?️Stay home as much as you can, especially if you’re sick.
?Host virtual gatherings instead of in-person dinners.
❌Avoid travel, if you can.
?Order your holiday meal from a local eatery.
?Shop online with a small business for #BlackFriday. pic.twitter.com/acQpWs2Ism— Michael B. Hancock ? (@MayorHancock) November 25, 2020
Hancock was immediately slammed on Twitter by those viewing the trip as hypocritical.
“When Denver Mayor Michael Hancock goes against his own orders, Denver residents need to stop taking orders from Mayor Hancock,” newly-elected Colorado Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert tweeted.
When Denver Mayor Michael Hancock goes against his own orders, Denver residents need to stop taking orders from Mayor Hancock. https://t.co/vGmUlvfbGZ
— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) November 25, 2020
“Disgraceful, astounding hypocrisy,” Newsweek’s Josh Hammer tweeted.
Disgraceful, astounding hypocrisy. https://t.co/M9W9YpFgR1
— Josh Hammer (@josh_hammer) November 25, 2020
“This is the last time Denver needs to hear public health guidance from Mayor Hancock,” 9News reporter Kyle Clark tweeted. “If the city has a leader who actually follows the advice they give the public, we’ll put them on instead.”
This is the last time Denver needs to hear public health guidance from Mayor Hancock. If the city has a leader who actually follows the advice they give the public, we’ll put them on instead. https://t.co/tTLcFgkZdK
— Kyle Clark (@KyleClark) November 25, 2020
Hancock adds his name to a long list of politicians across the country who have been criticized for acting in a manner inconsistent with the behavior they have ordered their constituents to adopt during the coronavirus pandemic.
These Democrat leaders forced strict lockdowns on their cities and states.
But apparently the rules don’t apply to them. pic.twitter.com/nSApzsuHFX
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) November 21, 2020
Hancock’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Washington Examiner.
