Summary
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) posted a video suggesting journalists would report “less false stories” if violence were still used to resolve disputes.
He referenced the 1890 Capitol shooting of Rep. William Taulbee by reporter Charles Kincaid, who was acquitted.
After backlash, Mullin claimed he was joking and criticized The Oklahoman for covering the story.
A former MMA fighter, Mullin had previously threatened a union leader in a Senate hearing. Critics say his remarks echo Trump’s escalating “fake news” rhetoric and hostility toward the press.
Senators would say less stupid things if violence were used to resolve disputes.
That reminds me, I have to sharpen my guillotine.