this post was submitted on 07 Apr 2025
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395
Republican senator floats using violence against journalists who report 'fake news' (www.nbcnews.com)
submitted 5 days ago by MicroWave@lemmy.world to c/politics@lemmy.world
30 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Summary

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) posted a video suggesting journalists would report "less false stories" if violence were still used to resolve disputes.

He referenced the 1890 Capitol shooting of Rep. William Taulbee by reporter Charles Kincaid, who was acquitted.

After backlash, Mullin claimed he was joking and criticized The Oklahoman for covering the story.

A former MMA fighter, Mullin had previously threatened a union leader in a Senate hearing. Critics say his remarks echo Trump’s escalating “fake news” rhetoric and hostility toward the press.

all 31 comments
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[–] themeatbridge@lemmy.world 120 points 5 days ago (2 children)

There's no "I was joking" excuse for inciting violence. Being a politician means you are responsible for the consequences of your words. Or at least, it would if we had a functioning justice system.

[–] barneypiccolo@lemm.ee 34 points 5 days ago

Its called Stochastic Terrorism, and now that he's done it, he can be locked up without due process, and shipped to El Salvador.

[–] henfredemars@infosec.pub 15 points 5 days ago

With enough fealty, he can bank on a pardon for any crimes he may commit in the process.

[–] cabron_offsets@lemmy.world 86 points 5 days ago (1 children)

So I guess it’s totally fine to joke about guillotining this guy. Have at it, boys.

[–] HeadfullofSoup@kbin.earth 43 points 5 days ago

Someone should nail a luigi hat on is front door you know as a joke

[–] givesomefucks@lemmy.world 47 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

He referenced the 1890 Capitol shooting of Rep. William Taulbee by reporter Charles Kincaid, who was acquitted.

So...

His example is elected politicians getting shot for lying about some bullshit to a reporter?

That's some change American voters may be ok with...

But also the complete opposite of what he wants to do.

[–] BigMacHole@lemm.ee 33 points 5 days ago

GUYS! It was a JOKE! Calm DOWN! But also STOP Flipping Off TESLA OWNERS because that is TERRORISM!

[–] hddsx@lemmy.ca 34 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Senators would say less stupid things if violence were used to resolve disputes.

[–] barneypiccolo@lemm.ee 4 points 5 days ago

That reminds me, I have to sharpen my guillotine.

[–] Nightwingdragon@lemmy.world 23 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (1 children)

This is standard procedure.

Claim it was a "joke". That way, others can say the same thing and use the same excuse. This normalizes it. Then, when some lone wolf actors take it seriously and act on it, people like this can say "We had nothing to do with it! He acted on his own!" and disavow themselves of all responsibility.

This guy would love it if MAGA morons started taking it seriously and attacking reporters.

[–] user01@lemm.ee 13 points 4 days ago

Nothing in his tone suggests it’s a joke. He appears to be creating this video to tell a historic story relevant to that place. He nor annyone else nearby laughs. Posted to his senate account used for official communication. He can fuck all the way off with that lame ass attempt at an excuse.

[–] PyroNeurosis@lemmy.blahaj.zone 13 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Am I misreading this? He thinks there would be less "false" journalism coverage if reporters shot more senators?

I mean, I guess? By shooting senators you'd shut off a valve of significant disinformation...

[–] Ledericas@lemm.ee 2 points 4 days ago

yes it would, especially if its been piped straight from russia to the senators mouth.

[–] sittinonatoilet@sopuli.xyz 17 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Isn’t this the guy that wanted to fight the Teamsters president

[–] homesweethomeMrL@lemmy.world 9 points 5 days ago

In retrospect, I would have liked to have seen that. Since the Teamsters president spoke at the RNC and called the demented rapist a "tough son of a bitch".

Not that it wasn't a humiliating spectacle all by itself.

[–] el_muerte@lemm.ee 15 points 5 days ago

Would be a decent enough idea if "fake news" actually meant outlets/personalities that just blatantly make shit up, but we all know what he actually means is "anyone I disagree with."

[–] RememberTheApollo_@lemmy.world 16 points 5 days ago (1 children)

“Stories I disagree with.”

[–] henfredemars@infosec.pub 10 points 5 days ago

Approved facts straight from the ministry of truth.

[–] kruhmaster@sh.itjust.works 11 points 5 days ago (1 children)

I bet this guy would grind into a nice paste

[–] barneypiccolo@lemm.ee 6 points 5 days ago

That came out of left field, but I truly LOL'd.

[–] Linktank@lemmy.today 6 points 4 days ago

If people were still allowed to use violence for disputes then somebody would have already slapped this chuckle fuck in the mouth enough times that he would keep his stupid to himself.

[–] Montreal_Metro@lemmy.ca 5 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

Ah so all of FOX news then, I’m down with that.

[–] Mohamed@lemmy.ca 8 points 5 days ago

I love the line "Mullin ... criticized The Oklahoman for covering the story."

[–] Raiderkev@lemmy.world 4 points 4 days ago

Judging by the R next to his name, I'd bet he shares a lot of fake news. I don't think he wants to live in this fantasy world.

[–] Gammelfisch@lemmy.world 3 points 4 days ago

I do not expect anything good from the Oklahoma Oblast.

[–] barneypiccolo@lemm.ee 4 points 5 days ago

Markwayne "Hillbilly is in my name" Mullins

[–] the_q@lemm.ee 3 points 4 days ago

Lemmy user floats use of violence against reds and oranges.

[–] Captain_Patchy@lemmy.world 2 points 4 days ago

What about politicians willfully lying, How does he think we should handle that?

[–] ThePowerOfGeek@lemmy.world 2 points 5 days ago

Of, it's that asshole who said it. Yeah, not at all surprised.