Former U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh. Photo courtesy of Hypeline.org
A deadly ambush on police quickly unfolded Thursday night as protesters marched peacefully through the streets of Dallas. A group of unidentified gunmen reportedly opened fire on the unsuspecting crowd, ultimately killing five and injuring 12 — the majority of whom were police officers.
With the country still reeling from the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, many were quick to deem the attack an act of retaliation by “angry Blacks” upset over the recent killings of the two men at the hands of police. Others suspect it was a carefully planned attack by another group — an attack that took advantage of the rift between the Black community and police officers.
For former U.S. Representative Joe Walsh, the former is the one and only explanation for last night’s ambush. In a now deleted tweet, Walsh declared war on the anti-police brutality group Black Lives Matter and even President Barack Obama, warning that “Real America is coming for you.”
The ex-congressman’s outwardly racist and threatening comment prompted a firestorm of angry tweets from celebrities and citizens alike condemning him for his call of violence against Blacks.
@WalshFreedom Shut the fuck up and sit the fuck down you sniveling, irrelevant piece of crap. Put a backpack of bricks on and swim. #Dallas
— Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) July 8, 2016
The fact that @twitter didn't suspend Joe Walsh's account is embarrassing. What kind of company allows open calls for violence?
— Matt Aaron Harper (@MattAaronHarper) July 8, 2016
Joe Walsh needs to be arrested for threatening our President. STFU @walshfreedom
— John Legend (@johnlegend) July 8, 2016
There's a lot of misinformation out there but one thing we should all agree on is Joe Walsh is still a ridiculous asshat.
— HelenKay Dimon (@helenkaydimon) July 8, 2016
Woke up to discover former rep Joe Walsh is a racist, and a coward. But there I go, repeating myself.
— John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) July 8, 2016
Block that deadbeat scum Joe Walsh too. He's just trolling Black people's pain for attention too. Absolute trash.
— Rylo Ken (@Kennymack1971) July 8, 2016
When you believe "Real America" does not include the President of America, you might be a racist. https://t.co/ctvjKHG13x
— John Legend (@johnlegend) July 8, 2016
Amid all the backlash and negative reactions, Walsh attempted to cover his butt in a series of tweets stating it wasn’t his intention to incite violence.
I wasn't calling for violence, against Obama or anyone. Obama's words & BLM's deeds have gotten cops killed. Time for us to defend our cops.
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) July 8, 2016
Time for America – white, black & brown – to stand up to the Cop haters
If good people stay silent, the haters will continue their violence
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) July 8, 2016
It's time 4 patriotic Americans to stand up & stand against all the Cop haters – from Obama to the thugs on the street.
It's way past time.
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) July 8, 2016
His act of “innocence” didn’t last long, however, as he went right back to placing blame on Black Lives Matter and President Obama.
Dallas Police just said it was a pissed off guy who acted alone. He wanted to kill whites & white police officers.
Way to go Obama & #BLM.
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) July 8, 2016
While Walsh’s Twitter account is still up and running, many are calling for the former congressman’s page to be shut down, on account of his blatant threat toward President Obama. So far, it looks like Twitter has no plans to take action.
