The press secretary for Arizona Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs resigned this week over a Tweet promoting gun violence against “transphobes,” which she posted just hours after transgender Audrey Hale shot and killed six people at a Christian elementary school.
“Us when we see transphobes,” press secretary Josselyn Berry tweeted Monday, just after three children were shot dead at The Covenant School. Berry’s tweet included a short clip of actress Gena Rowlands in “Gloria,” where she is seen brandishing two revolvers. The tweet immediately sparked controversy and was later removed for violating Twitter’s policy on promoting violence.
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.@KatieHobbs’ Press Secretary locked down her Twitter to try & hide her disgusting tweet calling for violence against Democrats’ political opponents on the same day a trans activist shot up a Nashville Christian school killing 6, incl. kids
Unlucky for her, we have the receipts. pic.twitter.com/0YmahSQUqL
— Arizona Freedom Caucus (@AZFreedomCaucus) March 29, 2023
Berry had tweeted earlier that day,
If you work in the progressive community and are transphobic, you’re not progressive. Period. End of story. It’s not hard to understand but you’re [sic] bigotry masquerading as feminism absolutely is,
Another user responded to Berry, writing,
“Not sure these transphobic-from-the-left posers know who they’re messing with.”
The Democratic press secretary responded to the user with the now-deleted, controversial tweet. She later locked her Twitter account following the backlash.
On Wednesday, Gov. Katie Hobbs’ office confirmed that Berry had resigned from her position and gave a statement denouncing the former representative’s comments.
“The Governor does not condone violence in any form. 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.”
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The press secretary had reportedly handed in her resignation Tuesday night. Berry’s original tweet prompted swift condemnation from Arizona Republicans. The Arizona Freedom Caucus tweeted on Wednesday that,
“Calling for violence is NEVER acceptable [Gov. Hobbs]. Press Sec. tweeting about shooting political opponents on the same day a trans activist shoots up a school is nothing short of vile & heartless There is no room for this in AZ.”
Following the news of Berry’s resignation, the group tweeted, “Katie Hobbs should stop surrounding herself with far-left partisans & instead hire people focused on doing the work of the people.”
The Press Sec. for @GovernorHobbs has RESIGNED over this vile tweet calling for violence against Democrats’ political opponents.
Katie Hobbs should stop surrounding herself with far-left partisans & instead hire people focused on doing the work of the people. pic.twitter.com/bVu6xqXCcd
— Arizona Freedom Caucus (@AZFreedomCaucus) March 29, 2023
Daniel Scarpinato, the former chief of staff for previous Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, told the Arizona Republic,
“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.’”
“Please contact [Katie Hobbs’] office and respectfully demand that she fire her press secretary, Josselyn Berry, who posted an inciteful meme calling for the murder of transphobes,” political activism group Arizona Women of Action tweeted. “Pray for a peaceful resolution.”
“Fire [Josselyn Berry]. Calling for violence from the 9th floor is beneath the office she is supposed to serve,” posted Arizona state Rep. Austin Smith.
Fire @joss_berry. Calling for violence from the 9th floor is beneath the office she is supposed to serve.
— AZ State Rep. Austin Smith (@azaustinsmith) March 29, 2023
Berry joined Hobbs’ administration after her campaign victory in November, having previously served as spokesperson for the Arizona Democrat Party. She has also worked with the left-wing digital consulting group Progress Now Arizona.
Other stories you may want to read:
Study Finds Transgender Youth Most Vulnerable to Violent Radicalization
Florida’s Byron Donalds Defends 2A From CNN, Gun Grabbers – ‘Emotion Doesn’t Solve Problems’
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