On Wednesday, Democratic Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs’ press secretary stepped down after making a controversial tweet that seemed to condone the shooting of “transphobes” in reaction to the tragic incident at Nashville’s Christian school.
“The Governor does not condone violence in any form,” following Josselyn Berry’s resignation, a statement released by Hobbs’ office read. “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.”
On Tuesday evening, prior to Hobbs’ office releasing a statement, Berry tendered his resignation.
Just after the tragedy at Covenant School that left three children and three faculty members dead, Berry posted a picture of a female wielding guns.
Responding officers fatally shot 28-year-old Audrey Hale, a transgender individual.
On Monday, Berry tweeted that if one is transphobic, they are not progressive – an assertion which prompted a Twitter user to respond, “Not sure these transphobic-from-the-left posers know who they’re messing with.”
Berry responded to the transphobes with a GIF of Gloria from her 1980 movie brandishing a gun, delivering an assertive message – “us when we see transphobes.”
Immediately, Arizona Republicans voiced their disapproval of the tweet.
“I don’t think anyone, no matter your political leanings, would look at that tweet — any sane, professional person would look at that tweet and say, ‘This is how I want one of the top advisers to the governor of my state to conduct themselves,’” Daniel Scarpinato, a previous chief of staff to Republican former Governor Doug Ducey of Arizona, said.
“Less than 12 hours after the tragic shooting in Nashville by a deranged transgender activist [Hobbs’] Press Secretary calls for shooting people Democrats disagree with,” the Arizona Freedom Caucus tweeted.
“Calling for violence like this is un-American & never acceptable. [Berry] should be fired immediately,” The Republican group decried that Berry’s “vile tweet encouraging violence,” remained undisturbed even after being viewed by millions.
In a statement, Arizona Senator Anthony Kern (R-Glendale) declared the post “massively disturbing” and urged Hobbs’ spokeswoman to resign with immediate effect.
Following her controversial tweet, Berry decided to protect her Twitter account by making it private. Prior to this incident, she employed herself at the left-wing organization Progress Now Arizona which specializes in delivering cutting-edge digital marketing campaigns.
On Wednesday, US House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) carelessly spoke of the transgender community’s political activism with words that wielded violence.
“Ahead of Trans Day of Visibility, I rise in honor of a community that is being forced to fight for its very existence,” Clark boldly spoke on the House floor to start her speech, two days after the shooting.
In January, Clark experienced the heartache of having her nonbinary child arrested for allegedly attacking a police officer.
When questioned by reporters on Tuesday about the transgender shooter’s motives, and if it was a hate crime aimed at people of faith, President Biden awkwardly laughed off the inquiry.
When confronted with the inquiry of whether or not the shooting rampage at Covenant School was aimed at Christians, Biden – now 80 years of age- expressed his lack of awareness: “I have no idea.”
When probed if he agreed with Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) that the attack was specifically aimed toward Christians, Biden sarcastically replied.
“Well, I probably don’t then,” he stated. “No, I’m joking. No, I have no idea.”
