MSNBC host Joy Reid is taking heat after sending out a tweet that many considered to be politicizing the shooting of Rep. Steve Scalise (R., La.), as well as a segment on her show during which she called Scalise an "extremist."
Speaking to Reverend William Barber, Reid said, "Steve Scalise has a history we've all been forced to sort of ignore on race."
Reid sent out the tweet from her show's Twitter account on Saturday about the House majority whip, who is still in the hospital in the wake of last Wednesday's shooting. Reid also brought up the Capitol Police officer who saved his life.
Rep. #Scalise was shot by a white man with a violent background, and saved by a black lesbian police officer, and yet... #AMJoy pic.twitter.com/Qm96T90c6Y
— AM Joy w/Joy Reid (@amjoyshow) June 17, 2017
Reid tried contrasting Scalise's views and race with that of the officer who is believed to have shot the attacker, the Blaze reports. Crystal Griner was one of two Capitol Police officers protecting Scalise on Wednesday when the gunman opened fire.
Scalise's wife said in a statement that the officers are considered family to the Scalises.
Reid took criticism for her tweet and the segment on her show in which she shared similar sentiments.
He's not even conscious yet. What the fuck is wrong with you? https://t.co/rbDW11QUWl
— Stephen Miller (@redsteeze) June 17, 2017
This man is fighting for his life and you are attacking his voting record. Disgusting @amjoyshow https://t.co/VUHpx3A1YM
— Ben Ferguson (@benfergusonshow) June 18, 2017
As the daughter of a politician - I cant tell you how reckless I think this is. What does his voting record have to do with him being shot? https://t.co/diiAgvpJ0u
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) June 17, 2017
There's nothing classier than kicking a man while he is hospitalized having surgeries after one of your political allies shot him. https://t.co/7vY2Xyzk1r
— Dan McLaughlin (@baseballcrank) June 17, 2017