The press secretary for Arizona governor Katie Hobbs (D) has resigned after she posted a tweet that encouraged gun violence against “transphobes.” This tweet was posted just after a transgender shooter rampaged a Christian elementary school in Nashville.
On Monday, a transgender 28-year-old entered an elementary school and killed six people with assault-style rifles. The press secretary to Gov. Hobbs, Josselyn Berry, somehow thought it was appropriate to send out a tweet advocating for gun violence against “transphobes” just hours after the shooting.
Berry wrote, “Us when we see transphobes,” and posted a photo of a woman pointing two handguns in front of her.
The image is from a 1980 movie ‘Gloria’ with actress Gena Rowlands.
Critics immediately demanded Berry’s removal from her position in the governor’s office.
The American Freedom Caucus, led by Senator Jake Hoffman (R), issued a statement condemning Berry’s “vile tweet encouraging violence.”
They wrote, “Less than 12 hours after the tragic shooting in Nashville by a deranged transgender activist, Katie Hobbs’s Press Secretary calls for shooting people Democrats disagree with.”
“Calling for violence like this is un-American and never acceptable,” they added. “Josselyn Berry should be fired immediately.”
Daniel Scarpinato, former Chief of Staff to Arizona ex-Governor Doug Ducey (R), spoke to the Arizona Republic about Berry’s distasteful tweet, saying, “I don’t think anyone, no matter your political leanings, would look at that tweet – any sane, professional person would look at that tweet and say, ‘This is how I want one of the top advisers to the governor of my state to conduct themselves.”
Berry, who has worked with Hobbs since January, resigned from her position as press secretary in the wake of the intense backlash she received.
Hobbs’s office issued a statement on Wednesday confirming Berry’s resignation and simultaneously condemning her social media post.
“The Governor does not condone violence in any form,” Hobbs’ office said. “This administration holds mutual respect at the forefront of how we engage with one another.”
“The post by the Press Secretary is not reflective of the values of the administration. The Governor has received and accepted the resignation of the Press Secretary.”
