Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., slammed some of his social media followers Tuesday afternoon after some Twitter and Facebook users sent him messages saying the mass shooting at last week’s GOP baseball practice was deserved.
“Last week, I spoke with you all on Facebook Live about the shooting in Alexandria and how we must rise above the angry rhetoric coming from all sides. Below are just a few of the hateful, vitriolic messages I received AFTER the #AlexandriaShooting. I know this is not the worst of it, and that I’ll get even more comments on this post itself, but it’s shocking and disturbing nonetheless,” Kinzinger wrote.
“For the sake of our democracy, for the sake of future generations watching, listening, and reading these comments, we must do better to restore our civility. As I said last week, that includes me — I am committed to changing my tone and will encourage others in debate to disagree without being disagreeable. It’s time to #RestoreCivility,” the lawmaker added.
Although a few users commented lambasting Kinzinger’s post, the majority backed him in calling for an end to violence and threats.
“I’m failing to see what is wrong with the last 2. Worse comments were made about Obama and the Democrats by GOP elected officials,” Claire Landrieu commented. “They never endorsed the shooting, they said they wanted you VOTED out, not taken out.”
“It’s sad that you’re receiving these messages but, considering the actions of the congressional Republicans regarding healthcare and rolling back all of the regulations designed to reduce climate change and improve the environment for the benefit of all Americans, I can certainly understand their anger and frustration,” Maureen Barrett wrote.
“I seriously think we need to start teaching anger management in schools, starting in kindergarten, and in every workplace, including Congress and state government assemblies,” said Marsha Hosfeld.
“Please show this to the Media! Even I, as just a Republican voter has gotten threatened through Facebook,” Michael Lee Rueff added.
