In the wake of the recent increase in violence across America, it is more important than ever that our elected officials set a positive example for their constituents. Unfortunately, this is not the case for one high-ranking Democrat official. One official from Arizona recently made headlines for a repulsive tweet that has caused outrage across the political spectrum, ultimately forcing her resignation.
In the wake of a woman who identified as transgender killing six people at a Christian school in Nashville, the press secretary for Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has resigned after posting an inflammatory tweet suggesting “transphobes” should be gunned down.
Berry tweeted a GIF that showed actress Gena Rowlands wielding two pistols in the 1980 film “Gloria” with the caption “Us when we see transphobes.” It was posted on Monday, as the nation mourned the murders of three 9-year-old children and three adults at the Presbyterian-run Covenant School in Music City by a 28-year-old woman who was then killed by heroic police.
According to local Arizona media, Berry resigned after being pressured by those close to her and by fellow lawmakers.
Before her resignation was announced, the Arizona Freedom Caucus said in a statement: “Less than 12 hours after the tragic shooting in Nashville by a deranged transgender activist, Katie Hobbs’s Press Secretary calls for shooting people Democrats disagree with. Calling for violence like this is un-American & never acceptable. Josselyn Berry should be fired immediately.”
Following Berry’s resignation, a statement from Governor Hobbs’ office read: “The Governor does not condone violence in any form. This administration holds mutual respect at the forefront of how we engage with one another. The post by the Press Secretary is not reflective of the values of the administration. The Governor has received and accepted the resignation of the Press Secretary.”
In minutes, police arrived on the scene and fatally shot the Nashville shooter, a former student of the Covenant School. She carried two rifles and a handgun into the school where she shot and killed six people before being killed by police. According to police, the shooter legally purchased seven guns from five different stores. According to police, while her parents said they did not want her to own guns, they knew she had sold a firearm previously, but had no idea she owned others.
On Tuesday, authorities revealed that the shooter was receiving treatment for an undisclosed “emotional disorder.”
It was simply unacceptable behavior for someone in Berry’s position to promote such hatred and cruelness. This kind of radical and dangerous speech has no place in politics. The American people deserve leaders who will put the well-being of our country and its citizens first, rather than pushing a divisive and partisan agenda.
Let’s continue this conversation, in the comments below.
