A Twitter argument between gun rights spokeswoman Dana Loesch and Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-NY) is going viral.
It all started with Loesch’s response to a Twitter user who posted about the death of Philando Castile, who was shot by police officers last July. The user pointed out that the National Rifle Association (NRA) did not address the tragedy—even though Castile was in possession of a legal firearm at the time of the shooting and the association typically speaks up in such cases.
He was also in possession of a controlled substance and a firearm simultaneously, which is illegal. Stop lying.
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) August 10, 2017
Loesch responded, saying that Castile was “in possession of a controlled substance and a firearm simultaneously.”
The tweet caught the attention of Rice, who saw the comment as a mischaracterization of NRA’s inaction: “So if a white guy was shot dead during a routine stop with a legal gun & a joint in his car, NRA would stay silent?” (Castile was African-American.)
So if a white guy was shot dead during a routine stop w/ a legal gun & a joint in his car, #NRA would stay silent? You're the ones lying. https://t.co/K1KkN4SbJs
— Archived: U.S. Rep Kathleen Rice (@RepKathleenRice) August 11, 2017
Rice then proceeded to call Loesch and the NRA “domestic security threats.”
I'm just going to say it. #NRA & @DLoesch are quickly becoming domestic security threats under President Trump. We can't ignore that.
— Archived: U.S. Rep Kathleen Rice (@RepKathleenRice) August 11, 2017
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Loesch responded with a series of tweets.
Hi Congresswoman, can you explain why you say I and millions of members are “domestic security threats?” Thank you. https://t.co/lLtPITTBPc
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) August 11, 2017
When can I expect to be arrested, @RepKathleenRice ? Do you have enough secret security to take millions of members into custody. Honest Q.
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) August 11, 2017
Rice has yet to reply, but the exchange has served to bring Castile’s death and the larger debate over gun control back into the national spotlight.
