The Facts
Police on Sunday identified Ryan Christopher Palmeter, who is White, as the shooter in what they classified as a “racially motivated” attack that resulted in three Black people being killed at a dollar store in Jacksonville, Fla., on Saturday.
Sheriff TK Waters said Palmeter, 21, used an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and a Glock handgun to shoot one victim as she sat outside a store in her car, shot another after entering the store, and shot a third minutes later.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
It’s hypocritical for DeSantis and other Republicans to claim they sympathize with these victims when it’s GOP policies that incite these types of tragedies. In addition to the lax gun laws DeSantis has signed in Florida, his unending talk of fighting against “woke” ideas is nothing but a dog whistle for racist policies. Republicans should take action to further equality and safety rather than inciting hate.
Republican narrative
Democrats are using the aftermath of a tragedy to talk about politics and find ways and undermine the Second Amendment. This horrific incident was carried out by a wicked individual, and any talk about guns should be related to how well-intentioned armed citizens could have made a difference. Restricting law-abiding Americans’ access to firearms is never the answer.
