NRA Posts Image Threatening Pro-Gun Control Lawmakers Including A Bullet Pointed At The Head
The NRA posted a disturbing photo to Twitter and in an online article that seems to be threatening two lawmakers sponsoring gun control bills.
A picture is worth a thousand words, and a picture of two people with bullets scattered on and around them, including one pointed at the head, makes an even more powerful – and threatening – statement.
Perception is reality. No doubt the NRA would say they see nothing threatening about this photo at all. After all, they’re “just” bullets, right?Â
If one of these women were your mother, sister, or spouse, how would you feel if you saw this image?
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The NRA, targeting Democratic State Senator Roxanne Persaud and Democratic Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon, posted this tweet Monday. The link goes to an editorial at an NRA publication, America’s 1st Freedom (which most people would think is freedom of speech, not freedom of guns). It begins:
What’s an anti-gun state legislator to do when the state in which he or she lives already has some of the most restrictive gun-control laws in the nation? Realistically, short of banning all guns and ammunition magazines, what’s left to do in the state of New York?
Democrat State Sen. Roxanne Persaud and Democrat Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon think they have the answer—make it nearly impossible for anyone to buy ammunition.Â
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio was not pleased, and made his objections clear:
Knock it off, @NRAA1F. Your graphic is obnoxious and suggestive. I stand with @joannesimonbk52 & @senatorpersaud. https://t.co/eD0iMtmL6a
— Bill de Blasio (@BilldeBlasio) January 4, 2016
So did Brooklyn borough president Eric Adams:
The @NRA is shamefully attacking compassionate efforts by @JoAnneSimonBK52, @SenatorPersaud, and I to reduce #gunviolence – #stopthepresses.
— Eric Adams (@BPEricAdams) January 4, 2016
CNN reports that “Persaud called the image ‘outrageous’ and said it contains ‘subliminal messages of violence,'” and “Simon said the photo was ‘clearly’ intended to be ‘threatening and intimidating.'”
New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer called for the Justice Department to “immediately investigate these scare tactics that threaten our democracy,” and accused the NRA of “putting the lives of elected officials at risk by posting their snapshots surrounded by real bullets.”
.@NRAA1F we will not cower to your scare tactics. Proud to stand with @joannesimonbk52 & @SenatorPersaud https://t.co/4zpvcqisSc
— Scott M. Stringer (@scottmstringer) January 4, 2016
New York City Council Speaker Melissa MarkViverito called it “irresponsible & dangerous”:
I commend @SenatorPersaud @JoAnneSimonBK52 for their courage. #NRA ‘s irresponsible & dangerous tactics are reprehensible & must cease NOW.
— Melissa MarkViverito (@MMViverito) January 5, 2016
The Guardian called the photo “threatening,” while blogger Joe Jervis didn’t mince words, labeling it a “TERRORIST THREAT.”
Others took to Twitter to denounce the threat as well:
@NRAA1F WTAF?? The NRA is a terrorist organization and an enemy of the state. This cinches it. Hope the FBI pays you a visit. #gunbullies
— AllisonMY (@AllisonMY) January 5, 2016
Today, @NRAA1F stoops to new low with disgusting image attacking @joannesimonbk52 & @senatorpersaud. No excuse. https://t.co/G42LcS4DR2
— Dan Garodnick (@DanGarodnick) January 5, 2016
@NRAA1F How absolutely DISGUSTING can you get. You low-down-lilly-livered-slimey-putrid terrorist organization! You are PRIMITIVES!
— Cornelia (@PaladinCornelia) January 4, 2016
@NRAA1F Inciting violence against women
— Urban Design Lab (@urbanclimate) January 5, 2016
@NRAA1F Showing you’re true colors here. You are vile and out of touch.
— David Moore (@divaderoom) January 5, 2016
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 Image by Gage Skidmore via Flickr and a CC license
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