Stephen King’s Comment On Trump Shooting Sparks Outrage

By: Sam Watanuki | Published: Jul 16, 2024

On Saturday, bestselling author Stephen King posted a comment about the weapon used in the recent Trump rally shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania.

King’s post on X stated: “An AR-15 style semiautomatic rifle was used in the Butler shooting. These are the guns the Republican Party—and Trump—want to protect.” This comment quickly garnered widespread attention.

Immediate Backlash

King’s comment, which has amassed over 780,000 views, was met with a wave of criticism. One user replied, “For a fiction writer, Stephen King knows little about this subject. Stay in your fictional lane.”

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A woman dressed in a shirt looks at her smartphone with a concerned face

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Many users felt King was using the tragic event to further his political agenda, sparking heated debates online.

Shooting Details

The shooting at the Trump rally occurred on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania. According to a Secret Service spokesperson, the former president was injured, one attendee was killed, and two others were seriously wounded.

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Trump escorted to safety by the secret service after attempt on his life

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The incident has intensified discussions on gun control and political rhetoric in the United States.

King's History of Criticizing Trump

Stephen King has been a vocal critic of Donald Trump for years. In 2016, he was among 450 writers who signed an open letter condemning Trump’s candidacy.

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Unamused Stephen King overlaid on Trump and Biden debate

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He has consistently used his platform to voice his disapproval of Trump’s actions and policies, often sparking controversy with his bold statements.

Previous Political Statements

Earlier in July 2024, King criticized the Supreme Court’s decisions related to Trump.

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President Barack Obama presents author Stephen King with the 2014 National Medal of Arts at The White House/ Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference

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He posted, “Trump’s cronies are planning what amounts to a fascist state, and the Supreme Court is clearing the way for them. This should concern conservatives as well as liberals.”

Criticism of King's Motives

Many users accused King of being opportunistic. One user commented, “Four people shot… One dead, two in critical condition, and Stephen’s humanity sees this and thinks, ‘I can make this into a great political point on X and it should get a Lot of Impressions.’ That’s a VERY Dark, Dark soul…!”

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In this photo illustration, the logo of US online social media and social networking site 'X'/ A bronze statue of a female figure holding scales, which represents justice

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There was no shortage of similar comments reflecting the intense backlash King faced.

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Debates on Gun Control

King’s comment reignited debates on gun control. Some users argued that focusing on the weapon distracts from the real issue.

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A person holding and using a gun while at a gun range.

Source: LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR/Unsplash

One user stated, “It didn’t climb up on the roof by itself. It took human interaction. Duh”.

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Political Reactions

The shooting and King’s comment have also drawn reactions from political figures.

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Former Right Side Broadcasting Network writer Ashley Muñoz posted, “A RIFLE DIDN’T SHOOT TRUMP, A HUMAN DID. Let’s focus on the criminal, not their device. Typical liberal idiocy shines brightly, from you.”

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Public Division

The public’s reaction to King’s comment illustrates the deep divisions in American society.

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While some support his stance on gun control and criticism of Trump, others feel he is overstepping his bounds as an author in the public eye.

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King's Influence on Social Media

Stephen King’s large following on social media means his comments reach a wide audience. His posts often spark significant reactions, both positive and negative.

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This latest comment is a reminder of the influence celebrities can potentially have on public opinion and political discussions.

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Ongoing Debates

As the discussions continue, it is clear that the debate over gun control and political rhetoric is far from over.

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A digital illustration of two boxing gloves showing the icons for the Democrat and Republican parties

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King’s perhaps ill-timed, yet not incorrect comment has added fuel to an already contentious issue, demonstrating the power of words and the ongoing struggle to find common ground in American politics.

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Continued Rhetoric

Stephen King’s comment on the Trump rally shooting has sparked outrage and highlighted the deep divisions in American society.

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constitution rights document laid on top of the American flag with a overlay picture of a gun

As debates over gun control and political rhetoric continue, this incident serves as yet another reminder of the challenges of navigating these complex issues in the digital age.

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