Fred Guttenberg openly challenged President Donald Trump during the State of the Union Address on Tuesday night and got kicked out for it. Now he’s receiving an outpouring of support for being a voice on behalf of children against gun violence.
Guttenberg’s daughter lost her life when a gunman murdered her and 16 other students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida two years ago. Ever since, her father has been a tireless advocate for gun control legislation.
And so, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) invited Guttenberg as her guest to the State of the Union.
But when Trump began callously claiming that the Second Amendment is “under assault” while speaking nothing about the children massacred by acts of gun violence, Guttenberg could not stay silent.
“What about my daughter!” he yelled.
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Security then shamefully removed Guttenberg from the House chamber as Trump continued.
Addressing his reaction and removal on Wednesday morning, Guttenberg wrote:
(1,2) Tonight was a rough night. I disrupted the State Of The Union and was detained because I let my emotions get the best of me. I simply want to be able to deal with the reality of gun violence and not have to listen to the lies about the 2A as happened tonight.
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) February 5, 2020
(2,2) That said, I should not have yelled out. I am thankful for the overwhelming support that I am receiving. However, I do owe my family and friends an apology. I have tried to conduct myself with dignity throughout this process and I will do better as I pursue gun safety.
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) February 5, 2020
In response, Americans rallied around Guttenberg by sending him a multitude of messages telling him he has nothing to apologize for and thanking him for standing up for gun violence victims and their families, resulting in #ImWithFred trending on Twitter.
Last night, the President lied. This should not be surprising, because he lies all damn day about every damn thing.
But he lied about gun violence. He lied about the 2nd Amendment being under assault.
No, Mr. President*, it is America who is under assault. #ImWithFred #NoRA
— #NoRA (@NoRA4USA) February 5, 2020
Fred, your work on ending gun violence has helped transform the debate in our country. Thank you for your passion and commitment, and willingness to say #EnoughIsEnough. #ImWithFred #EndGunViolence
— Carolyn B. Maloney (@CarolynBMaloney) February 5, 2020
and yet when someone shouted during Obama’s speech nothing happened. #ImWithFred
— Lori Dubbs (@lori_dubbs) February 5, 2020
Thank you to @fred_guttenberg for representing all of us who are so frustrated & angry that Trump protects the NRA & not our children & loved ones from gun violence. #ImWithFred #EndGunViolence https://t.co/uAqaiFnJB4
— Newtown Action (@NewtownAction) February 5, 2020
#ImWithFred https://t.co/3xtagnPYFA
— Nancy Pelosi (@TeamPelosi) February 5, 2020
I can’t blame him for his outrage. for people to say it wasn’t a good look. Maybe go through what he went through and his loss and then tweet about shaming a grieving dad. Fuck you with that.#ImWithFred
— Curtis Wakanda Girl Dad/ Democracy grief counsel (@Currtis25Harr) February 5, 2020
The courage exhibited by @fred_guttenberg tonight was heartbreaking. He protested Trump at the State of the Union after his daughter was murdered at Parkland and Trump did next-to-nothing to finally enact gun reform in this country. And he was kicked out.#ImWithFred
— Charlotte Clymer🏳️🌈 (@cmclymer) February 5, 2020
Only in America would Fred Guttenberg get detained by Capital Police while Rush Limbaugh gets the Presidential Medal of Freedom.#imwithfred https://t.co/RYXrEYxBYT
— 🥞MeltLikeButta🥞 (@JWButta) February 5, 2020
Featured image via screen capture
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