Republican senator floats using violence against journalists who report 'fake news'

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: NBC News

April 6, 2025, 4:56 PM EDT


WASHINGTON — Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., suggested on X this weekend that journalists would write "less false stories" if violence were still used to handle disputes.

In the video, posted early Saturday, Mullin is in the Capitol and recounts how a reporter shot and killed Rep. William Taulbee there in 1890 a year after the Taulbee left office.

"There's a lot we can say about reporters of the stories they write, but I bet they would write a lot less false stories — as President Trump says, 'fake news' — if we could still handle our differences that way," Mullin says.

After The Oklahoman published a story about his comments, Mullin criticized it publication on X and indicated he had been joking. "While you’re at it, don’t forget I also JOKED about bringing back caning to settle political disputes," Mullin wrote. "Thanks for watching my videos."

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/markwayne-mullin-floats-using-violence-journalists-report-fake-news-rcna199922

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He should be censured in the Senate.

[Hope22]

1. Imagine if it were reversed...

And anyone suggested a politician as a victim. It is a ludicrous comment and needs to be addressed immediately!

[regnaD kciN]

3. Which is ACTUALLY WHAT HE SAID...

The story this idiot used as an example is one where a reporter killed a politician. If that’s what he’s proposing, I’m all for this particular combination of the First and Second Amendments!

[Hope22]

6. lol!

My tired brain fixed it for him! Trying to remember when a gun was a good first solution!

[bluestarone]

12. Someone should have shouted

"DOES THAT GO FOR REPUBLICAN POLITICIANS TOO?

[ReRe]

31. It is HATE SPEECH. Period. n/t

[Biophilic]

2. Ah, yes, the old 'I was just kidding' defense.

The republicans use that excuse a lot. I’m not quite sure why because in general they don’t seem to have a sense of humor. Or, perhaps their sense of humor is a bit sick.

[DBoon]

26. "Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?"

Henry II was just joking of course

[GreenWave]

4. I guess Fox et alia should make a run for the border while they still can.

[DFW]

38. That's what I was thinking, too.

This guy could be arrested for making death threats against Fox Noise.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

5. At least the second time he threatened violence

He threatened some union leader who was testifying till Bernie Sanders told him to sit the fuck down.

[ILikePie92]

7. MWM

Mark wayne mullin is a certified imbecile who triedto start a fight with the teamsters head IN congress.
What a dipshit

[Diamond_Dog]

8. He sure seems like a lunkheaded bully.

[LT Barclay]

9. If that were to happen, we'd have far fewer right-wingers spouting off, because they're all boot-licking cowards

[kimbutgar]

10. Who determines if the news is real or fake?

Or if it’s just news he doesn’t like ? And he wants revenge for news he doesn’t like?

[BumRushDaShow]

11. I think you answered your own question

[Bengus81]

34. I can hear him now....anymore fake news LIES about the DOW dropping last week

will be met with violence from politicians who kiss Trumps ass!

Five minutes later.......Oh wait...I never said that, just kidding if I did.

[czarjak]

13. "It'll be bloodless, IF The Left allows it."

Said a POS too.

[Skittles]

14. MAKE NO MISTAKE

IF THESE FASCIST FUCKS COULD HAVE THEIR CRITICS ROUNDED UP AND EXECUTED, *THEY WOULD*

[Cirsium]

21. Worse than that

These Fascist fucks probably could get their critics rounded up and executed, and probably will.

[Mysterian]

28. Yes, the cultists are letting their kids die from measles and not repenting

They would gladly shove us into gas chambers.

[Figarosmom]

15. Hasnt he threatened violence before

For something else? I even think he assaulted a reporter didn't he?

[spike jones]

16. The press is the only private busines mentioned in the US Constitution.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

[patphil]

17. Oh those poor "journalists" at FOX news. They're in for a serious beat down.

And then there's all those Republicans who feed them fake news. I feel sorry for their surviving family members.

[dchill]

18. We already know you're stupid. MarkWayneMullenWayneMarkWayne Mullen.

You don't have to keep trying to prove it to us.

[robleb]

22. the neaderthal

is a joke.

[ReRe]

19. Trump does the same thing..

Remember when Sarah Palin did it? Right after she showed "cross hairs" in a hate post somewhere, Gabby Giffords was shot in the head and many other of her constituents shot and killed and others injured at the same time! I do think that incident was the deadliest when it comes to backlash from some dumbass politician spouting off. Republicans get so hateful and spiteful that they become downright uncivilized.
If we ever do wrestle this country back to it's senses, we must hold people to account for hate speech. No joking!

[Akakoji]

20. He should be caned

That one is areal whacko

[LudwigPastorius]

23. Markwayne Mullet sez WUT?

[barbtries]

24. a lot of republicans would end up dead under that policy.

all they spew is propaganda anymore. it's at epic proportions.

[lonely bird]

25. Hmmm

So, Markwayne should get the crap beaten out of him when he lies?

Frigging idiot.

[oldmanlynn]

27. Wow stoking Violence. That seems to be a growing narrative.

If this goes to violence then how do we avoid a civil war? If they let these legislators Stoke violence as they do, that is the end goal. too strike fear in us. That isn’t going to work

[J_William_Ryan]

29. The violent, fascist right - using violence against the press is a classic tactic of authoritarian despots.

And that the press reports factual, accurate accounts of the faults and failings of Republican policies and conservative dogma doesn’t render such reporting ‘fake news.’

[Behind the Aegis]

30. He is a rank piece of shit!

We had to deal with his bigoted, stupid ass, now he has been inflicted, like a virus, on the entire country.

[JohnnyRingo]

32. Sean Hannity should take notice.

His own people are plotting against him.

[Jack Valentino]

33. Obviously, NO GOP Senator would ever be censured, while there is a GOP majority

in the Senate.

"ought to be"? Yeah

[Javaman]

35. if we continue on the current trend of oligarchy/dictatorship, this will happen. nt

[et tu]

36. paving the way for 4/20??? nt

[Paladin]

37. "Markwayne"

Just seeing that guy's first name sets off the "Deliverance" banjo music in my head. No surprise that he never lets up, trying to sell his degenerate rightwing agenda. Keep up the good work with those "jokes," Markwayne...