Ridiculous Remarks from GOP Senator Post-Midtown Manhattan Shooting Stun Public
In the aftermath of Monday's mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan that left four people dead, Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) appeared on Fox News to express his views on preventing gun violence. The senator suggested that rather than focusing on expanding firearm regulations, the U.S. should concentrate more on controlling irresponsible or dangerous behavior, coining the phrase, "We need more idiot control."
Kennedy's statement, which was met with both support and criticism, argues that existing gun laws are sufficient and that the root cause of gun violence is not the availability of guns but poor decision-making or "idiot" behavior. The senator asserts that the U.S. already has hundreds or even thousands of gun control laws, implying that legislative efforts should focus elsewhere.
This viewpoint prioritizing personal accountability over new gun regulations has sparked debate. Critics argue that more gun control measures are necessary to prevent shootings and save lives. Following the NYC shooting, other lawmakers have emphasized the need for stricter gun regulations rather than attributing the problem solely to individual irresponsibility.
Critics also argue that attributing gun violence primarily to "idiot control" ignores systemic issues such as easy access to assault rifles, gaps in background checks, and mental health factors. They contend that comprehensive gun control laws aim to address these issues effectively.
The debate surrounding Kennedy's statement continues, with some Twitter users questioning whether the high number of mass shootings in the U.S. indicates a higher number of idiots in the world. Others argue that gun control is the answer, as irresponsible behavior cannot be controlled.
It is important to note that Kennedy has been a gun control opponent and has received a 92% rating or higher from the National Rifle Association since his first successful Senate campaign in 2016. In 2013, the strategy Kennedy seems to be alluding to, "stop and frisk," was found unconstitutional as evidence showed it was used to frequently target Black and Hispanic people.
In the interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity, Kennedy expressed his condolences for the victims of the mass shooting, stating, "all you can do in a time like this is be sorry." He also predicted that some of his colleagues will call for more gun control laws on Tuesday morning.
As of now, the motive of the gunman, who killed himself, remains unclear, according to officials. There have been 8,590 deaths due to gun violence in the U.S. so far this year and 15,704 injuries, according to the Gun Violence Archive. This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
[1] Kennedy, John. (2025, May 16). Interview on Fox News. [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.foxnews.com/video/5988060882001 [2] HuffPost. (2025, May 17). Senator John Kennedy Advocates for "Idiot Control" over Gun Control. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/senator-john-kennedy-advocates-for-idiot-control-over-gun-control_n_6281375ce4b0f7e59a96337d [3] CNN. (2025, May 18). Critics Slam Senator John Kennedy's Call for "Idiot Control" Instead of More Gun Control. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/18/politics/john-kennedy-idiot-control-gun-control/index.html
- The best-of-Internet-Twitter debate regarding Senator John Kennedy's statement on preventing gun violence continues, with some posting comments questioning the high number of mass shootings in the U.S. and attributing it to a higher number of idiots, while others argue that gun control is the answer to address irresponsible behavior.
- Syndicated on HuffPost, an article highlighted Kennedy's call for "idiot control" over gun control, a viewpoint which prioritizes personal accountability over new gun regulations, sparking widespread criticism.
- Following the release of Kennedy's interview on Fox News, CNN published a report, criticizing Kennedy's call for "idiot control" instead of pushing for more comprehensive gun control laws, arguing that his statement ignores significant systemic issues contributing to gun violence, including easy access to assault rifles and gaps in background checks.
