4-02-2023 5:50pm

‘Children Are Dying’: NY Rep Gets Into Shouting Match With Colleague Over Gun Control

Samantha Hespos Editor

New York, NY

A New York representative engages in a heated argument with a colleague regarding gun control, emphasizing that children's lives are at stake. The argument escalates to shouting. (Video evidence available).

On Wednesday, March 29th, a video captured Democratic Representative Bowman of the 16th District, which covers southern Westchester County and parts of the Bronx, engaging in a discussion with Kentucky Republican Representative Thomas Massie in a hallway outside the House chamber.

Bowman, who used to work as a professor and principal in a middle school in the Bronx, referred to Republicans as "cowards" and "gutless" for not endorsing laws that intend to decrease gun violence in the video.

While Bowman was speaking, Massie approached and inquired about the topic, leading to a heated verbal exchange lasting around two minutes.

Massie interrupts and suggests, "Did you know that schools where teachers are permitted to carry guns have never experienced a school shooting?"

As the two stand face to face, Bowman starts shouting in anger due to the comment.

He shouts, "Are you suggesting we should carry guns? The statistics show that more guns result in a higher number of fatalities. If you consider the facts, you'll see that I'm right."

Bowman refers to several studies, such as one conducted by Everytown for Gun Safety, which reveal that states with looser gun restrictions experience higher rates of gun-related homicides, suicides, and accidental deaths.

According to Bowman, there is a correlation between open carry laws in states and higher rates of fatalities.

After that, Massie advises Bowman to relax, but Bowman retorts saying, "Relax? Young and innocent children are losing their lives! Children as young as nine."

Repeatedly, Bowman inquires whether Massie has ever worked in a school, but Massie chooses not to acknowledge the question.

Bowman asserts that the query is straightforward, requiring a binary response, yet the addressee is declining to provide an answer.

Afterward, Massie exits while Bowman persists in his yelling, claiming he has taught for two decades. He urges the journalists to find out why gun control bills are not being approved by the Republicans.

After the altercation, Bowman took to Twitter and expressed his frustration by saying that although the Republicans refuse to take serious action on gun violence, they still try to silence him. He explained that he cannot remain calm as innocent people continue to lose their lives every day due to gun violence.

In a Twitter post, Massie alleged that Bowman failed to consider his solutions.

Thomas Massie @RepThomasMassie·Follow

He wanted to discuss solutions to school shootings, but when I offered a solution he began shouting. When he asked for data, I gave him data, but then he just shouted more. Bring facts. There’s never been a school shooting in the hundreds of schools that allow staff to carry.

A text message allegedly sent by a teacher and bus driver was posted on Twitter by Massie on Thursday, March 30. The message stated that it would be desirable for the individual to be able to carry weapons, whether concealed or open, at every school campus and school bus they work on.

In her text message, Massie stated that only a few individuals, like the person who messaged her, are needed to ensure the safety of children. This measure serves as a deterrent to the psychopaths who target vulnerable victims.

In the halls of Congress on Wednesday, there was a confrontation that occurred just two days after a 28-year-old shooter ended the lives of three students and three staff members at The Covenant School, which is a private Presbyterian parochial school situated in Nashville.