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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Texas Pol Under Fire for Post-Shooting Tweet

HOUSTON (CN) — Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick posted a Bible verse stating "a man reaps what he sows," shortly after a gunman killed 49 at an Orlando, Fla. gay nightclub, a message his spokesman called an ill-timed coincidence.

Patrick is an outspoken Christian who hosts a conservative radio talk show broadcast on AM stations in Houston and Dallas. As the state's lieutenant governor, Patrick leads the Texas Senate.

He has positioned himself at the forefront of Texas' battle against abortion providers and the federal government's mandate that public schools let transgender students use the bathroom of their choice.

At exactly 7 a.m. Sunday, Patrick posted a verse from Galatians 6:7 — "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows" — on Twitter and Facebook, numerous media outlets reported Sunday.

Five hours earlier, Omar Mateen, 29, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., opened fire on patrons at the Pulse nightclub in downtown Orlando with an AR-15 assault rifle and a handgun, then took scores of hostages before he was killed in a shootout with police.

The rampage killed 49 and injured 53 in the worst mass shooting in U.S. history. Mateen's father told NBC News his son came unhinged after recently seeing a gay couple kissing in front of his family.

Patrick's spokesman Allen Blakemore said in a statement the message "was not done in response to last night's tragedy" but "was designed and scheduled last Thursday," as Patrick posts a Bible verse every Sunday at 7 a.m.

Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa, a lawyer who practices in Brownsville, condemned Patrick's posts, which were taken down by 11 a.m. Sunday, the Texas Tribune reported.

"Hate and violence have no place in America," Hinojosa said in a statement. "Unfortunately, Texans in mourning for our families in Florida woke up to an embarrassment from their lieutenant governor. Lt.Gov Dan Patrick, please apologize immediately. Make this right. We are better than this."

Patrick's website includes "3 Time Guest Pastor for Dr. Ed Young at Second Baptist Church in Houston" on a list of his personal accomplishments.

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