Cook: Tim Griffin Steps In It During Capitol Hill Lockdown

Cook's OutlookTalk Politics

by Michael Cook ([email protected]) October 3, 2013 10:37 am 59 views 

Reports are still coming in on what occurred on Capitol Hill earlier today where gunshots were fired and a female suspect fled from police.  It’s still too early to say exactly what happened and why.As with many tragedies, there are initial conflicting reports as law enforcement admirably does its job to control the situation and release the facts as they become available.  Capitol Hill was quickly placed on lockdown for everyone’s safety.

In the midst of the Capitol Hill lockdown with the potential for loss of life, it was not the time for anyone to score political points – unless you’re Congressman Tim Griffin.

One minute after Tweeting on hearing reports of gunfire, Tim Griffin immediately blamed Democrats for the unfolding and violent crisis.

Griffin’s outrageous Tweet went viral within moments making national news.

So far, Griffin has not apologized for seemingly blaming Democratic leaders for an act of violence.  In a statement to a national media outlet, Tim Griffin said the following after his tweet went viral:

“The victims and their families are in my thoughts and prayers. The shooting today is a terrible and inexcusable tragedy and an act of terrorism. No one but the shooter is to blame.

“We are still processing information about this shooting, but as I have been saying for days, we all need to choose our words wisely because violent rhetoric only coarsens our culture, creates an atmosphere of incivility and is not helpful. I tweeted out of emotion but agree that the timing was not helpful.”

Notice that Tim Griffin did not apologize. He just noted that his emotional tweet was badly timed.  Griffin also tweeted the following, but again, no apology:

 The shooting today is a terrible and inexcusable tragedy and an act of terroism. No one but the shooter is to blame. I tweeted out of emotion but agree that the timing was not helpful.
I think a real apology is in order from Congressman Griffin.  Once that occurs, I think we can consider the matter closed and focus on other pressing issues — such as Tim Griffin’s refusal to end the government shutdown.