Public Demands Fox News Fire Tucker Carlson Over Kenosha Shooter Comments
Fox News host Tucker Carlson is facing some major backlash on social media this morning after he defended 17-year-old Kenosha shooter Kyle Rittenhouse for “maintaining order.”
During an episode of “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” the longtime Fox News host discussed the arrest of Rittenhouse, which occurred in Antioch, Illinois one day after he opened fire during a protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin over the police shooting of Jacob Blake. The shooting killed two and injured one, and he was charged with first-degree intentional homicide. During his broadcast, Carlson stated that since authorities in the area were not enforcing the law, instead allowing for protesting and rioting to go on for three straight nights. He then said it wasn’t surprising that Rittenhouse felt the need to take action.
Kenosha devolved into anarchy because the authorities abandoned the people. Those in charge, from the governor on down, refused to enforce the law. They’ve stood back and watched Kenosha burn. Are we really surprised that looting and arson accelerated to murder? pic.twitter.com/oul2KUiDi3
— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) August 27, 2020
"Are we really surprised that looting and arson accelerated to murder?” he asked. “How shocked are we that 17-year-olds with rifles decided they had to maintain order when no one else would?”
Naturally, the comment did not go over well on social media, and #FireTuckerCarlson was trending on Twitter nationwide on Thursday morning, with many calling for Fox News to fire the host over his comments, stating that he was rationalizing a terrorist act and justifying murder.
This has pre-purge stank all over it. You do not justify domestic terrorism by supporting the shooter. #FireTuckerCarlson https://t.co/cy6oZtmKvv
— LTB ❤🌊☮ (@leentielu) August 27, 2020
Is there no bottom for him? Defending a white supremacist who drove across state lines to shoot 3 people? #BlackLivesMatter #FireTuckerCarlson
— Lea (@Leamander1) August 27, 2020
I almost never get involved with hashtags focused on specific individuals, and don't really go in for hashtags generally, but what Tucker Carlson is doing right now to incite mayhem and murder by roaming gangs of armed vigilantes absolutely requires Fox News to #FireTuckerCarlson
— Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) August 27, 2020
Others also took to social media to call for companies that have advertised during his show to pull their support.
Hi @Carvana! Are you still a Fox News advertiser? If so, could you tell us your thoughts on the #FireTuckerCarlson hashtag? It seems the media company you support is justifying terrorism. Thanks!
— 💛🐝🍯 (@thatbitch_DB) August 27, 2020
We need to hit them where they live.... their wallet. Who are the advertisers? Boycott them and shame them publicly. That will take them down. We have to take our country back! Let's do this!! #FireTuckerCarlson
— Sickandtired 🇺🇦🌊☮️🤟🌞🏳️🌈 ally (@Sickntiredenuff) August 27, 2020
Others also mentioned how Carlson was seemingly defending Rittenhouse because of his young age but noted that when Trayvon Martin, who was 17 when he was shot and killed, was given a very different treatment in the media.
I've seen several posts saying Kyle Rittenhouse should be shown mercy even though he MURDERED innocent protestors in Kenosha, b/c he's only 17 years of age.
— Elgin Charles (@ElginCharles) August 27, 2020
But Trayvon Martin, who was 17 when he passed away, was shown ZERO mercy.
White privilege is the fact that Trayvon martin was seen as more of a threat carrying skittles with a hoodie on than this kid was with a whole AR-15 .. https://t.co/bx8iIUNNgy
— John (@iam_johnw) August 27, 2020
Trayvon Martin was killed at 17, and Americans said it was justified because wearing a hoodie is a valid threat.
— Stephen Punwasi 🌋 🚀 (@StephenPunwasi) August 26, 2020
Kyle Rittenhouse killed two protestors in cold blood, and people say he’s too young to be held accountable. https://t.co/9T3ojDevtt
Trayvon Martin was a thug for having skittles & an ice tea
— Heather Thompson Day (@HeatherTDay) August 27, 2020
But Kyle Rittenhouse, a 17 year old with an AK 47, is “maintaining order” https://t.co/QqBc4oSqIr
However, others did take to Twitter to also defend Carlson’s comments, with many agreeing that he was right and stating that the situations are calling for this type of action since protests are not being quelled.
Others also defended the comment by stating that defunding the police, a popular call that has been rallied since protests picked up steam after George Floyd’s death, is also a reason for actions like the one Rittenhouse took.
Remove the police and citizens will get involved. You have woken the sleeping giant.
— {{{Peacemaker}}} (@peacemaker4u) August 27, 2020
It was also stated that Carlson spoke the truth, and despite calls to get him fired, it wouldn’t work.
You guys want to #FireTuckerCarlson because he speaks the unfiltered truth.
— Lavern Spicer🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@lavern_spicer) August 27, 2020
Stop hiding in your safe spaces.
Liberals are once again trending #FireTuckerCarlson. When will they realize that the more they attack him, the more we will support him?
— Real Defender🇺🇸 (@real_defender) August 27, 2020
Fox News has not released a statement as of press time.
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