Republican who said many mass shooters are Democrats just gave unhinged defense [WATCH]

Rep. Claudia Tenney is a Republican congresswoman representing upstate New York’s quiet 22nd district.  But she made quite a bit of noise last month when she appeared on conservative radio host Fred Dicker’s show.

In the interview, which occurred one week after the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Dicker asked Rep. Tenney what she thought  about the media’s response to the tragedy.  Rep. Tenney responded this way:

“Obviously there’s a lot of politics in it, and it’s interesting that so many of these people that commit the mass murders end up being Democrats, but the media doesn’t talk about that either.”

Tonight, at a campaign event, she faced a reporter from a local New York media outlet, who challenged her on camera to defend those comments.

At first, she delivered a composed if futile defense of the indefensible, and successfully deflected and avoided giving any hard and fast answers.

“It isn’t just Republicans who commit all these terrible crimes, it is across all sectors and it is people that are typically unstable and are committing all of these crimes that we’re seeing,” she said.

“All I’m saying is everybody is guilty equally and that’s exactly what I said. If you listen to the 12 minute interview that’s exactly what I said.  It’s patently clear,” she added with a hint of desperation.

She also accused Democrats of exploiting “these terrible tragedies,” and ridiculed the “abhorrent behavior of the media.”

The so far unnamed reporter, however, didn’t let up, and continued to press her for answers.  Finally, exasperated, Rep. Tenney said curtly, “It’s fake news.  I answered your question every which way.  It’s fake news,” before storming off camera.

You can watch the entire unhinged interview below.

Peter Mellado

Peter Mellado is a writer, producer, and a branding and messaging specialist with over 15 years experience. He studied history at San Jose State University, and resides in Los Angeles.