House Democrats Call for Censure of Gosar Over Anime Video

A group of House Democrats are expected to introduce a resolution to censure Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) over an anime video showing him attacking Rep. Alexandria-Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and President Joe Biden.

Reps. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) and Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) are leading the group of Democrats.

They said in a statement, “For a Member of Congress to post a manipulated video on his social media accounts depicting himself killing Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and attacking President Biden is a clear cut case for censure. For that Member to post such a video on his official Instagram account and use his official congressional resources in the House of Representatives to further violence against elected officials goes beyond the pale.”

The Democrats added, “As the events of January 6th have shown, such vicious and vulgar messaging can and does foment actual violence. Violence against women in politics is a global phenomenon meant to silence women and discourage them from seeking positions of authority and participating in public life, with women of color disproportionately impacted. Minority Leader McCarthy’s silence is tacit approval and just as dangerous.”

Gosar defended his video in a statement Thursday, as IJR reported.

“I do not espouse violence or harm towards any Member of Congress or Mr. Biden,” he said, explaining that the cartoon “depicts the symbolic nature of a battle between lawful and and unlawful policies and in no way intended to be a targeted attack against Representative Cortez or Mr. Biden. It is a symbolic cartoon. It is not real life.”

The statement continues, “Congressman Gosar cannot fly. The hero of the cartoon goes after the monster, the policy monster of open borders.”

Gosar’s video sparked reaction from several lawmakers, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

“Threats of violence against Members of Congress and the President of the United States must not be tolerated,” Pelosi tweeted.

She added, “ should join in condemning this horrific video and call on the Ethics Committee and law enforcement to investigate.”

White House principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also said during a press briefing this week there is “absolutely no place for any violence of any sort in this political system.”