South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has sparked controversy after she revealed her one-year-old granddaughter already has a shotgun and rifle of her own.
The Republican governor made the comments during an appearance at the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum in Indiana.
In a video clip uploaded to Twitter, Noem spoke about her nearly two-year-old granddaughter Addie, explaining how she owns the guns along with a pony named Sparkles.
“Little Miss Addie, who is almost two years old, and Branch, who is only a few months old, made us so happy. They gave us purpose,” Noem told the assembled crowd.
“Well Addie you know – will be needing her soon I want to assure you she already has a shotgun and she already has a rifle and she also has a little pony named Sparkles. So the girl is set up,” the Conservative added.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has sparked controversy after she revealed her one-year-old granddaughter already has a shotgun and rifle of her own
gov. Noem, left, told Little Miss Addie, seen right, “already has a shotgun and rifle”
Noem has long been a staunch supporter of gun rights and used her speech at the NRA event to sign an executive order aimed at further protecting Second Amendment rights in South Dakota.
Her comments about Addie drew criticism online.
Addie is the daughter of Noem’s daughter Kassidy and her husband Kyle Peters.
“I’m trying really hard not to be a ‘helicopter’ grandma, but it’s hard… I may have to give up that idea. Miss Addie and I have so many adventures to plan,” Noem wrote on Facebook on the day her granddaughter was born.
“What’s the phone number for the South Dakota Child Welfare Service? Someone has to report this child neglect,” said Jayme Ruimveld.
‘Absolutely disgusting. How the hell is real life in America?’ asked Chris Jackson.
“A two-year-old who pulled the trigger of a shotgun he or she held to his shoulder would be knocked out and likely injured,” noted Tom Mallory.
‘That can not be true?!? What?!!?’ shared PJ Byrne with a hint of skepticism.
“These gun fetishists are crazy. They act like guns aren’t even dangerous to give to a 2 year old, but they need an AK-47 to go to the drugstore. No two-year-old needs or should have a gun,” added Lnonblonde.
“Help me understand what a two year old would do with a shotgun and a rifle? I realize it was probably a gift from someone, but… wouldn’t a cute new outfit be more beneficial?’ tweeted Gary Orvold.
‘WOW. My 2 year old grandson has puzzles, books on musical instruments, hot wheel cars and jumps off sofas. What I have done wrong?’ added another grandparent.
Noem has long been a staunch supporter of gun rights, but her comments drew criticism
At the same event, former President Donald Trump crowned himself the “most gun-friendly, pro-Second Amendment President” in the nation’s history.
“I will once again be your staunch friend and fearless champion as the 47th President of the United States,” he told the crowd, promising to create a new tax credit to reimburse teachers “the full cost of a concealed carry gun.” and weapons training “from highly qualified experts”.
Trump’s appearance was his first public event since he was arrested in New York last week and charged with paying hush money to porn actor Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign.
His Secret Service protection meant attendees were not allowed to carry guns at the convention.
The former president made some references to the numerous investigations he faces. Instead of the government prosecuting hardened criminals, he complained, “The only one they want to prosecute is Donald Trump.”
The controversy surrounding Noem’s comments reflects the ongoing debate over gun control and the Second Amendment in the United States.
The conference comes not long after two mass shootings in the US, including a shooting at Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, that killed three children and three adults.
Five other people were killed in a shooting at a bank in Kentucky on April 10.
Many Republicans argue that the right to bear arms is a fundamental part of American culture and a necessary safeguard against tyranny, while Democrats and progressives believe the proliferation of firearms is a serious threat to public safety and stricter regulations are needed to prevent gun violence.
The issue has become increasingly politicized in recent years, and both sides have vehemently defended their positions.
Also present at the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum was former Vice President Mike Pence, who returned to his home state to address the crowd.
His appearance was greeted with loud boos from some attendees, although there were also some supporters in the audience, with one person exclaiming, “I love you Mike,” to which Pence confirmed.
The controversy surrounding Noem’s comments reflects the ongoing debate over gun control and the Second Amendment in the United States
Governor Noem was joined onstage by NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre