Governor Kristi Noem reassures NRA audience two-year-old granddaughter already has shotgun and rifle
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has sparked controversy after revealing that her one-year-old granddaughter already owns her own shotgun and a rifle.
The Republican governor made the remarks during an appearance at the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum in Indiana.
In a video clip uploaded to Twitter, Noem spoke about her almost two-year-old granddaughter, Addie, stating how she owns the guns along with a pony named Sparkles.
“Miss Addie, who is almost two, and Branch, who is only a few months old, have brought us so much joy. They’ve brought us a target,” Noem said to the assembled crowd.
“Now Addy, who you know – will need her soon, I want to reassure you, she already has a shotgun and she already has a rifle and she also has a little pony called Sparkles. So the girl was framed,” the conservative added.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has sparked controversy after revealing that her one-year-old granddaughter already owns her own shotgun and a rifle
Gov. Noem, left, said Little Miss Addie, seen right, ‘already has a shotgun and a rifle’
A longtime staunch supporter of gun rights, Noem used her speech at the NRA event to sign an executive order to further protect Second Amendment rights in South Dakota.
Her comments about Addie drew criticism online.
“What is the phone number for South Dakota’s Child Welfare Services? Someone has to report this child neglect’, says Jaymeruimveld.
‘Absolutely sickening. How the hell is this real life in America?’ Chris Jackson asked.
“A 2-year-old who pulled the trigger on a shotgun he or she held to his shoulder would be knocked down and likely to be injured,” noted Tom Mallory.
‘This can not be true?!? What?!!?’ shared PJ Byrne with some skepticism.
“These gun fetishists are crazy. They act like guns aren’t even dangerous to give to a 2 year old, but they need an AK-47 to get to the drugstore. No 2-year-old needs a gun,” Lnonblonde added.
Help me understand what a 2-year-old would do with a shotgun and a rifle? I realize it was probably a gift from someone, but… wouldn’t a nice new outfit be more affordable?’ tweeted Gary Orvold.
‘WOW. My 2 year old grandson has puzzles, books musical instruments, hot wheels cars and jumps off couches. Where did I go wrong?’ added another grandparent.
Noem has long been a staunch supporter of gun rights, but her comments have drawn criticism
At the same event, former President Donald Trump crowned himself “the most pro-gun, pro-Second Amendment president” in the country’s history.
“I will once again be your faithful friend and fearless champion as the 47th President of the United States,” he told the crowd, pledging to introduce a new tax credit to reimburse teachers “for the full cost of a concealed firearm ‘. as well as weapons training “from highly qualified experts.”
Trump’s appearance was his first public event since he was arrested in New York last week and charged with paying hush money to porn actor Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign.
His Secret Service protection meant attendees could not carry guns at the convention.
The former president made a few references to the numerous investigations he faces. Instead of the government going after hardened criminals, he lamented, “The only one they want to prosecute is Donald Trump.”
The controversy surrounding Noem’s comments reflects the ongoing debate over gun control and the Second Amendment in the United States.
The conference comes not long after two mass shootings across the US, including a Covenant school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, that killed three children and three adults.
On April 10, five more people were killed in a Kentucky bank shooting.
Many Republicans argue that the right to bear arms is a fundamental part of American culture and a necessary safeguard against tyranny, while Democrats and progressives believe that gun proliferation is a serious threat to public safety and that stricter regulations are needed to prevent gun violence.
The issue has become increasingly politicized in recent years, with both sides fiercely defending their positions.
The NRA-ILA Leadership Forum also featured former Vice President Mike Pence, who returned to his home state to address the crowd.
His performance was met with loud boos from some in attendance, although there were also some supporters in the audience and one person yelled, “I love you, Mike,” which Pence acknowledged.
The controversy surrounding Noem’s comments reflects the ongoing debate over gun control and the Second Amendment in the United States
Gov. Noem was joined on stage by NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre