Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs’ press secretary resigned Wednesday morning after suggesting gun violence against “transphobes,” hours after a woman who identified as transgender shot six people at a Tennessee school.
“When we see transphobes,” Hobbs press secretary Josselyn Berry tweeted hours after 28-year-old Audrey Hale opened fire at Covenant School in Nashville, killing three children and three adults.
Berry’s tweet included a GIF of the late actress Gena Rowlands in a scene from the movie “Gloria” where she points two revolver guns.
Arizona Republicans immediately accused Berry of inciting violence and called for Hobbs to be fired.
Katie Hobbs, the press secretary for Arizona’s Democratic governor, resigned Wednesday morning after appearing to threaten gun violence against “transphobes,” hours after a transgender woman shot and killed six people at a Tennessee school. (Twitter screenshot / @joss_berry)
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs delivers the State of the State address at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix on January 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, file)
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“Calling out violence is NEVER acceptable,” tweeted the Arizona Freedom Caucus. “@GovernorHobbs Press Sec. Tweeting about shooting political opponents on the same day a trans activist shoots up a school is mean and heartless. No place for that AZ Fire @joss_berry Now”
Arizona state representative Austin Smith tweeted: “Fire @joss_berry. It’s below the office that will serve to call in violence from the 9th floor.”
“Please contact @katiehobbs’ office and respectfully demand that they fire their press secretary, Josselyn Berry, who posted an inflammatory meme calling transphobes murder,” Arizona Women of Action tweeted. “Pray for a peaceful resolution.”
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The offensive post by Berry, a Democratic operative and spokeswoman for Hobbs, was later removed from Twitter for violating the site’s rules.
“The governor does not condone violence in any way. This administration has mutual respect for how we operate among ourselves on the front lines. The press secretary’s message does not reflect the values of the administration. The governor has received and accepted the resignation of the press secretary,” the governor’s office told ABC15 in a statement. in one
Covenant School shooter Audrey Hale walks past the Children’s Ministry desk. (1:57) (Twitter @MNPDNashville)
Gov. Hobbs’ office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
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Jessica Chasmar is a digital writer for the policy team at Fox News and Fox Business. Story tips can be sent to Jessica.Chasmar@fox.com.