BREAKING NEWS: Arizona Governor’s Press Secretary SIGNS OFF After Tweet Suggesting Gun Violence Against ‘Transphobes’
Arizona Governor’s Press Secretary Katie Hobbs has resigned after a tweet suggesting gun violence against transphobes just hours after a transgender gunman killed six people at a Christian school.
Hobbs’ office on Wednesday confirmed the resignation of Josselyn Berry, who uploaded an image of a woman wielding two guns alongside the caption “Us when we see transphobes.”
“The governor does not condone violence of any kind,” the governor’s office said in a statement. “With this government, mutual respect is paramount in how we treat each other.”
The statement added that Berry’s Twitter post “did not reflect the values of the administration” and that Hobbs, a Democrat, had received and accepted Berry’s resignation.
Berry’s controversial tweet came less than 12 hours after Nashville resident Audrey Hale, 28, — who had recently taken on the name Aiden and used he/him pronouns — killed three children and three adults in a mass shooting at Covenant School Monday.
Josselyn Berry uploaded the disgusting tweet less than 12 hours after Nashville resident Audrey Hale, 28, – who used he/him pronouns – killed three children and three adults in a mass shooting at Covenant School Monday
Berry – who had only worked for Hobbs since January – shared a shot of actress Gena Rowlands in the 1980 movie “Gloria.”
Earlier in the day, she had posted, “If you work in the progressive community and you’re transphobic, you’re not progressive.”
It’s not clear what she was referring to, or if the comments were in response to the shooting that happened the same day.
The unsavory tweet led Hobbs’ Republican critics to demand Berry’s removal from the governor’s office.
The Arizona Freedom Caucus wrote in response, “Less than 12 hours after the tragic shooting in Nashville by a deranged transgender activist, Katie Hobbs’ press secretary is calling for the shooting of people Democrats disagree with.
Calling for this kind of violence is un-American and never acceptable. Josselyn Berry should be fired immediately.’
The Caucus is led by Republican Senator Jake Hoffman and is often at odds with Hobbs’ policies.
On Tuesday night, the tweet was still available on Berry’s account, but she had made her profile private, meaning it was only visible to those who already followed her.
Hobbs has been a strong supporter of LGBTQ rights since she became governor of Arizona in November.
On Monday, she wrote of the school shooting, “My family and I are sending all our love to the families affected by the tragic news from Nashville.
“I know parents across the country are hugging their kids a little tighter tonight.”
Nashville is still reeling from the shooting that killed three nine-year-old children.
Hale opened fire at around 10:13 a.m. Monday morning at The Covenant School – a small, church-run private primary school.
Josselyn Berry has been working for Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs since January, according to her Facebook profile. On the social media, they are pictured together
Tuesday night, the tweet was still live on Berry’s account, but her Twitter profile was quickly made private
Hobbs did not respond to Berry’s tweet, but did address the Nashville shooting
Hale was armed with two rifles and a handgun, as he allegedly meticulously planned the murder.
The shooter is said to have had several writings and maps from the school, as well as drawings of how to enter.
Hale shot and killed principal Katherine Koonce in the hallway in a “murder”-style killing, in addition to shooting church custodian Mike Hill and substitute teacher Cynthia Peak.
Hale also murdered three nine-year-old students: Hallie Scruggs, William Kinney, and Evelyn Dieckhaus.
At 10:27 a.m., the gunman was shot dead by responding officers Rex Englebert and Michael Collazo.