Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (D.) said in a tweet Sunday night that "apparently assault weapons [were] used" in a Liberty City shooting that killed two people, which turned out not to be true.
Miami Police Cmdr. Keandra Simmons and Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez said handguns were used in the shooting, McClatchy reported.
Nelson's claim about the shooting is noteworthy because he supports banning assault weapons.
When asked why he spread misinformation, Nelson deflected blame.
"That was from Kionne. That was Kionne’s impression," Nelson said referring to Florida state Rep. Kionne McGhee.
He continued to defend his tweet by saying "It was information from somebody right on the scene and I think people are entitled to that information."
Nelson also spread false information about the Parkland shooting in February.
He cited the FBI and said the shooter wore a gas mask and tossed smoke grenades as he shot people. That was not true.
