Liberals issued a collective gasp Friday after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott reportedly made a joke referencing Montana Republican Greg Gianforte’s recent “body slam” of a reporter.
Here's how I celebrate signing a law that lowers the license to carry fee. #guns @NRA pic.twitter.com/eZbYd4jQIW
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 26, 2017
Still reeling from a devastating Montana upset, triggered leftists freaked out when Abbott jokingly alluded to Gianforte’s “body slam,” allegedly quipping he might attempt something similar.
"I'm gonna carry this around in case I see any reporters," @GovAbbott joked. https://t.co/ME7X8nbVx5
— Patrick Svitek (@PatrickSvitek) May 26, 2017
“I’m going to carry this around in case I see any reporters,” Abbott reportedly joked, referencing his bullet-riddled paper target.
Many claimed they felt the governor’s joke crossed the line.
@PatrickSvitek @GovAbbott I'm not laughing.
— Rudy Harper (@RudyKCTV5) May 26, 2017
@RudyKCTV5 @PatrickSvitek @GovAbbott I'm not laughing. The violent atmosphere and making it ok to be violent is not going to end well. This administration needs consequences!!!
— Leah Ashton (@LeahAshton11) May 26, 2017
More than 1200 journalists killed worldwide since 1992. 10 this year alone (source: CPJ). But don't let that stop your jokes @GovAbbott https://t.co/KYETboocqH
— Jorge Ribas (@jribas) May 26, 2017
For @GregAbbott_TX to joke about shooting reporters is absolutely disgusting. Blood on his hands if violence against media escalates in TX https://t.co/nnme0x7bOG
— Stephen Bridges (@bridge2nowhere) May 26, 2017
@PatrickSvitek @GovAbbott This journalist says that's not funny at all.
— Phil West ⚽️ (@philwest) May 26, 2017
Scores of liberal outlets also jumped on the governor’s joke. Here’s a rundown of headlines from Google News:
Of course, not everyone was outraged by Abbott’s remarks:
@RudyKCTV5 @PatrickSvitek @GovAbbott For sure laughing.
— James Francis (@jfrancis8104) May 26, 2017
@GregAbbott_TX @NRA Nice shooting, Gov. Abbott! You can be my wing man any day, LOL!
— alc (@alclubb1967) May 26, 2017
The governor signed Senate Bill 16 into law Friday lowering the first-time license to carry fee from $140 to $40, and lowering renewal fees from $70 to $40.
“Texas is known for its strong Second Amendment rights laws, and I’m proud to further strengthen those rights today,” Abbott said in a press release. “No law abiding Texan should be priced out of the ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights.”
On Friday Republican Greg Gianforte won a congressional seat in Montana after reportedly attacking a Guardian journalist. He was charged with misdemeanor assault on Wednesday.
Do you think the governor’s joke missed its mark? Fire off your comments below.
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