MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell has sparked controversy following comments made during a recent broadcast in which he claimed that U.S. military veterans pose a greater terrorism threat than individuals crossing the southern border illegally.
MSNBC Host: ‘The United States Army Is a Much Bigger Problem Than the Southern Border’
Lawrence O’Donnell: “The simple fact is, this country has suffered more deadly terrorism at the hands of American born citizens who are veterans of the United States military than people who… pic.twitter.com/BOfsDl5OzZ
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The remarks aired on Thursday have drawn backlash from many who view the comparison as unfair and disrespectful to American veterans.
O’Donnell argued that acts of terrorism committed by U.S. military veterans have had a more significant impact on the country than threats posed by illegal border crossings.
He cited Timothy McVeigh, the perpetrator of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, as an example to support his claim.
McVeigh, a Gulf War veteran, carried out one of the deadliest domestic terrorist attacks in U.S. history, killing 168 people and injuring hundreds more.
“The simple fact is, this country has suffered more deadly terrorism at the hands of American-born citizens who are veterans of the United States military than people who have crossed into this country at the southern border,” O’Donnell said. “It is very clear from the evidence that if you want to worry about terrorism in this country, the United States Army is a much bigger problem than the southern border.”
MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell: “It is very clear from the evidence that if you want to worry about terrorism in this country, the United States Army is a much bigger problem than the southern border.” pic.twitter.com/b5859v9QIm
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O’Donnell also referenced a more recent incident, citing a New Year’s Eve attack in New Orleans in which a U.S. military veteran drove a pickup truck into a crowd, killing 14 people.
He used these examples to argue that military veterans have been responsible for more violence within the U.S. than immigrants.
These comments come amid heightened concerns over border security.
A former CIA officer recently warned that more than a thousand al-Qaeda operatives may have crossed the southern border and are now in the United States, potentially planning future attacks.
Frightening information to hear. Former CIA targeting officer Sarah Adams is warning of an IRGC U.S. Homeland attack in retaliation for Soleimani. She says 1,000 or more terrorists may already be here and discusses the “Invisible Bomb” undetectable to magnetometers and now… pic.twitter.com/tVGLhHGqZI
— Johnny St.Pete (@JohnMcCloy) December 28, 2024
Critics of O’Donnell’s statements argue that such warnings underscore the seriousness of the border crisis, contrasting sharply with the host’s focus on veterans as a domestic threat.
O’Donnell’s remarks have been met with widespread criticism, particularly from veterans’ organizations and conservative commentators, who argue that his statements unfairly vilify those who have served the nation.
Many view his comparison of military veterans to domestic terrorists as deeply offensive, pointing out that the vast majority of veterans are law-abiding citizens who contribute positively to their communities.
American veterans, who have sworn to protect and defend the country, have long been recognized for their service and sacrifice.
Critics argue that singling out veterans in this manner not only diminishes their contributions but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
The segment has also reignited debates over the role of media rhetoric and its potential impact on public perceptions.
As MSNBC continues to face ongoing challenges with viewership, some suggest that inflammatory remarks like these may alienate a broader audience.
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