Gohmert Slammed for Suggesting New Zealand Terrorists Should Have Used Legal System to ‘Resolve Controversies’

GOP Congressman Strongly Suggests Gunmen Who Committed Acts of Terror Had Legitimate Grievances, Just Handled Them Wrong

U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) is being criticized for implying the terrorists who slaughtered 49 Muslims in two New Zealand mosques had legitimate grievances and should have turned to the courts or the legislature to resolve them.

It’s clear the suspects are white supremacists and their “grievance” is that there are Muslims in New Zealand.

Rep. Gohmert, who coined the racist and ugly term “terror babies” in an effort to strip children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents of their citizenship also, just like President Trump, did not call their actions terrorism. The government of New Zealand has.

The Texas Tea Party Republican Congressman does denounce the violence and bloodshed, but he also manages to make clear he thinks there are two legitimate sides.

“The shootings at the New Zealand mosques are egregiously reprehensible,” Gohmert says in his statement on his government website. “The shooters need to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law along with anyone who knowingly aided their efforts in any way.”

But then he diverges, giving them cover.

“There are courts, dispute resolutions, and legislatures to resolve controversies – there is no place for cold blooded murders,” says Gohmert, as if courts and legislatures should make Muslims illegal. “Though New Zealand does not have the death penalty, hopefully its people, through their justice system, will send the message loudly and clearly that such barbarity from anyone will not be tolerated.”

Congressman Gohmert was one of just two dozen Republicans who refused to vote for a resolution denouncing hate and bigotry, including against Muslims.

Gohmert is getting a great deal of pushback.