By Dave Workman | Senior Editor
The father of a victim of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Fla., was removed from the State of the Union speech after shouting from the viewer’s gallery about “victims of gun violence” in reaction to remarks by President Donald Trump regarding the Second Amendment.
After noting that his administration has defended religious liberty, the president remarked, “Just as we believe in the First Amendment, we also believe in another constitutional right that is under siege all across our country. So long as I am president, I will always protect your Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.”
As Republicans and members of the audience cheered, a man identified as Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter, Jaime, was killed in the Valentine’s Day mass shooting two years ago, shouted out from the balcony. He was calmly removed from the gallery, according to MSN.com, which identified him as “a prominent gun safety activist.”
In reality, Guttenberg has become a gun control proponent. The report at MSN revealed he had been invited to the event by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Trump makes a habit of declaring he will protect gun rights during speeches around the country. Both of his sons are reportedly devoted gun owners, and Donald, Jr. has appeared at National Rifle Association conventions.
According to the Miami Herald, Guttenberg sent a message on Twitter following the incident.
“Tonight was a rough night,” he reportedly stated. “I disrupted the State Of The Union and was detained because I let my emotions get the best of me. I simply want to be able to deal with the reality of gun violence and not have to listen to the lies about the 2A [second amendment] as happened tonight.
“That said,” his message continued, “I should not have yelled out. I am thankful for the overwhelming support that I am receiving. However, I do owe my family and friends an apology. I have tried to conduct myself with dignity throughout this process and I will do better as I pursue gun safety.”
It is not clear what “lies” Guttenberg believes Trump told about the Second Amendment. The right to keep and bear arms was specifically protected by the amendment in the Bill of Rights, created by the Founders more than two centuries ago, when they wrote the constitution.
