UPDATE: RI State Rep apologizes after calling Parkland shooting survivor “dummy” on Twitter

April 24, 2018 12:21 am

By: News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — An outspoken state lawmaker and fierce defender of the Second Amendment facing backlash over his choice of words on Twitter, directed at a student survivor of the Parkland, Florida school tragedy, apologized Tuesday.

Rep. Mike Chippendale (R – Foster) sent a statement, saying:

Yesterday it was inappropriate for me to call someone a dummy on Twitter, and I’m sorry that I did – but I will not apologize for zealously defending the 2nd Amendment.

In the wake of the deadly shooting over the weekend at a waffle house in Nashville, Chippendale and Parkland shooting survivor Emma Gonzalez, sparred Monday on Twitter over the role of guns in keeping people safe.

Regarding the waffle house shooter, Gonzalez argued "the local police say a man at the scene wrestled his gun away – looks like you don’t need to arm a teacher to stop a shooting."

Chippendale fired back, saying "if he did have a gun – the police still wouldn’t be searching for the gunman, and the entire region wouldn’t be on lockdown – dummy."

That last word certainly drawing attention.

"I don’t think it was right that he called her a dummy. Everyone has a right to their opinion, and if you disagree you shouldn’t be calling somebody a dummy," said Gail Scogmamiglio of Cranston.

Lester David Mejia is a student at CCRI. He says debates on the gun issue can get heated, but it’s important those debates stay civil–even online–ad especially when you represent the public.

"I think you’ve got to respect both sides, but attacking someone with that type of-calling them a dummy would be very ignorant," said Mejia.

On Facebook, reaction was a little more mixed, with Craig coming to Chippendale’s defense saying "well if it’s that easy, why didn’t Emma run in and stop the gunman at her school". But Luanne on Facebook says "it’s not the way to address a person by name calling."

"It’s insulting. It’s just bringing out your emotions to the situation. That’s just not healthy and not respectful to someone that you’re trying to have a debate with," said Alexis Reveron of Johnston.

That exchange on Twitter has been deleted.