Arizona Congressional Candidate Gary Kiehne Blames Democrats For Mass Shootings (Video)

P14-45_handgun_Whenever there’s a mass shooting in the United States, citizens, the media and politicians are always quick to play the blame game. And there are stereotypical culprits, too; people tend to believe it’s violent video games, or Catcher in the Rye, or an attention-starved ego craving the media’s warming glare. But for Arizona Republican congressional candidate Gary Kiehne, it’s none of those things. For him, the answer can be summed up in one word: Democrats.

After bragging about his collection of guns and ammo, and claiming that “everyone should own a gun,” Kiehne stated that Democrats were to blame for 99% of America’s mass shootings, during a republican primary debate in Florence, Arizona, with approximately 60 people in attendance. Kiehne claimed when asked about mass shootings:

“If you look at all the fiascos that have occurred, 99% of them have been by Democrats pulling their guns and shooting people. So I don’t think you have a problem with the Republicans.”


Where did Kiehne come up with his theory? He most likely pulled it from the?Internet, where?the myth?about mass shootings thrives in conservative-leaning blogs and forums, and has gone viral with chain emails as well. Most attribute the origin of this myth to former San Diego Mayor-turned-conservative-radio-DJ Roger Hedgecock, who made the claim in January of 2013.

But it’s only a myth;?there are no conclusive statistics available currently that identify the political leanings of mass-shooting gunmen. We do know?that a majority of the mass shootings in the United States happened using legally-obtained firearms, and that a majority of gun owners identify themselves as Republicans, but this does not mean a majority of mass-shooters are necessarily conservative, or that conservatives are to blame for mass shootings. Mental illness, not political ideology, is often identified as the root cause of these?attacks.


But what about legislatively? Are Democrats to blame for mass shootings there? Few would argue against the assertion that Republicans have done more to deregulate firearms; in fact, they seem to be rather proud of that. Even when polling showed that a staggering 91% of Americans want universal background checks for firearm purchases, Republicans on Capitol Hill have opposed any sort of restrictive legislation. And Republicans have thus far attempted to defund and/ or repeal Obamacare fifty (50) times, a law that does more good for mental health than any other in US history. But again, this doesn’t mean republicans/conservatives are to blame for mass shootings. Political views simply aren’t involved in most of these instances.

At the end of the day, the gunman is the person pulling the trigger, regardless of their political affiliations. Just as Gary Kiehne can blame himself when this sound byte haunts him for the rest of his political career, should he ever have one.

Edited by D.H.