Run The Jewels member Killer Mike has been criticised after defending gun ownership in a video published by America’s National Rifle Association (NRA) on National Walkout Day, while marches against gun violence took place across the US.
In an interview with NRATV, Killer Mike (who is a known gun owner) said, “I told my kids on the school walkout, ‘I love you. If you walk out that school, walk out my house.’
“We are a gun-owning family. We are a family where my sister farms. We are a family where we’ll fish, we’ll hunt. But we are not a family that jumps on every single thing an ally of ours does because some stuff we just don’t agree with.”
Killer Mike also said he didn’t agree with the anti-gun protests or the need for stricter gun laws.
“There was something that the woman who is the NRA spokesperson [Dana Loesch] said and everybody just kinda lost it,” he said.
“Dana says that the tears of white mothers are like ratings. And that’s so true and it was so sad to hear her acknowledge it, but it’s true, and black people know it’s true.
“We are raising a generation of kids where everyone gets a trophy. But in real life, everyone don’t get a trophy. In real life, the cops don’t come on time. In real life, depending on where you live, you’re not gonna have the time to try to logic your way out of something.”
Since Killer Mike’s comments, the likes of his bandmate El-P and rapper Vic Mensa have shared their views.
Taking to Twitter, El-P criticised NRATV host Colion Noir for suggesting no one would know the names of the protesting students from Parkland, Florida if their classmates hadn’t recently died.
“They didn’t want to be known they wanted to be kids,” he said.
“And they’ve earned being heard in one of the hardest ways possible. No matter what you believe we all have to listen in a real way. It’s owed to them and many others. That’s my take on it.”
https://twitter.com/therealelp/status/977641469895954432
Vic Mensa (who is also a gun owner) told Killer Mike, “YOU DONT NEED AN AR-15,” to which Killer Mike said he’s open to discussing the topic with Mensa.
https://twitter.com/VicMensa/status/977693625164296193
We got the same publicist and u have my phone number. I ain’t dodge’n u. ??♂️ https://t.co/OQRxBYSVSW
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) March 24, 2018
Gun reform advocates also took to Twitter to criticise Killer Mike’s interview…
Killer Mike cosigning an organization that traffics in threats against the media (including black women), that ignored Philando Castile, and that pushes gun sales through “brown/black scare” videos is his choice. It’s also proof the NRA knows that the teenagers are beating them.
— Joy-Ann (Pro-Democracy) Reid ? (@JoyAnnReid) March 25, 2018
…but some people have defended his views while criticising the NRA:
Wow, @NRA is pulling out all the stops. Found a puppet in the Black community to pedal their propaganda. As a Black man and a Combat Vet, Killer Mike doesn't speak for me. To champion an organization that remains silent while #gunviolence tears families apart is sickening.
— Sir John ?♎️ (@AfroMindset) March 25, 2018
https://twitter.com/NoahHurowitz/status/977764449275863040
I fully agree with @KillerMike’s views on gun ownership as a progressive. It’s a bummer to see it on NRA TV, though, given that they have basically been silent on POC murdered by authorities while legally carrying. On his point on allies vs friends, i hope he sees it apply there.
— Colonel Tony Moore (@tonymoore) March 25, 2018
I love Killer Mike.Thats my brother. He made some excellent points about Black gun ownership. The problem is, he is talking about it on the NRA platform & the NRA could give LESS THAN A DAMN about protecting Black people's 2nd Amendment rights. Ask the family of Philando Castille
— Tariq Nasheed ?? (@tariqnasheed) March 24, 2018
Killer Mike’s mistake isn’t in his position — it’s thinking the NRA gives a damn about people of color. If it came down to an armed black man and a cop, I think we all know whose side the NRA is on.
— Goy Division/Jew Order (@ben_geier) March 25, 2018
Killer Mike has since apologised, saying, “Sorry my interview about ‘black gun owners’ was used in the wrong way but, hey it’s people having far worse days. Thanks for the support.”
You can watch his full interview on NRATV, below.
Joy I did an interview. That’s no more a “co sign” than me doing your show. That org used my words to Black America to inflame organizers of this worthy march but i ain’t their rep. I’m just a black guy who is pro 2A & told others to be. Also it was a week Old. Love & Respect https://t.co/L4WNY7hRDn
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) March 25, 2018
Sorry my interview about “black gun owners” was used in the wrong way but, hey it’s people having far worse days. Thanks for the support. Those folks will be ok and I will
Be too. Have a grand day https://t.co/OlHgZDoV62— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) March 25, 2018
I hope this clears some stuff up. Love and Respect to all. Part 1 pic.twitter.com/pq977HEG7A
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) March 25, 2018
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) March 25, 2018