Father Of Parkland Victim Removed From State Of The Union Issues Apology

KEY POINTS

Gun control activist Fred Guttenberg was ejected by police from the House chamber
Guttenberg had shouted out during Trump's address
In 2018, Guttenberg's daughter was killed in the Parkland shooting

During the State of the Union address Tuesday night, a father of a Parkland shooting victim was ejected from the House chambers by police after a small outburst interrupted President Donald Trump’s speech.

As Trump began speaking about his desire to “always protect your Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms,” Fred Guttenberg shouted out, “What about my daughter!” It wasn’t long before a police officer seized Guttenberg and escorted him outside.

In 2018, Guttenberg lost his 14-year-old daughter, Jamie, when a gunman killed 17 people at a high school in Parkland, Fla. Since his loss, Guttenberg has worked as a gun control activist, forming his own charity named Orange Ribbons for Jamie. He’s a frequent visitor to Capitol Hill, where he often speaks with lawmakers about ways to prevent future gun violence.

He was formally invited to the State of the Union by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and attended while wearing an orange tie, as orange is a symbol used by some within the gun control movement.

After being ejected from the House, Guttenberg wrote on Twitter that he regretted his actions. “Tonight was a rough night... I let my emotions get the best of me,” he wrote. “I am thankful for the overwhelming support that I am receiving. However, I do owe my family and friends an apology,” Guttenberg added.

(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

Overnight, #IStandWithFred began to trend on Twitter, with many users expressing their belief that Guttenberg did not owe anyone an apology.

One user thanked Guttenberg for “always speaking out and being in the right side of history.”

Guttenberg’s outburst was likened to “civil disobedience” by another user, who thanked him for his activism.

Guttenberg’s ejection from the chambers was hardly the only eventful moment Tuesday night, as President Trump’s address was characterized by disruption and drama. At one point, Pelosi expressed her frustration with Trump’s speech by tearing up the printed text while he spoke. Before that, Trump had snubbed Pelosi’s offer for a handshake ahead of the address.