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A defiant Tennessee Congressman has defended himself after a picture emerges of him and his family posing with rifles for their 2021 holiday card.
Representative Andy Ogles faced fierce backlash after saying he was ‘utterly heartbroken’ over the mass shooting at the Covenant School which killed three children and three staff members on Monday.
In a picture posted online Ogles, his wife Monica and two eldest children all posed with what appeared to be assault rifles in front of a Christmas tree in there home.
The image resurfaced hours after transgender shooter Audrey Hale, 28, used two automatic rifles and a handgun to spray bullets at innocent schoolchildren, teachers and cops.
When questioned about the picture, the congressman was quick to defend his actions, saying that he was ‘exercising his constitutional rights.’
Representative Andy Ogles (left) is pictured with his wife Monica and their three kids – holding what looked like assault rifles as they posed for a Christmas card in 2021
He was asked by Sky if he regretted the image, and quicky shot back: ‘Why would I regret taking a family photo with my family and exercising my constitutional rights.’
Ogles then refused to answer and more questions over the use of the guns, instead leaving his response as sone supportive of the Second Amendment.
However, he has since removed the post from his Facebook page, after being bombarded by criticism over the image.
At the time he posted with the quote: ‘The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference – they deserve a place of honor with all that’s good.’
But the image has been reposted by many online after Rep Ogles sent his ‘thoughts and prayers’ to the victims of the mass shooting today.
He wrote on Twitter: ‘My family and I are devastated by the tragedy that took place at The Covenant School in Nashville this morning. We are sending out thoughts and prayers to the families of those lost.
‘As a father of three, I am utterly heartbroken by this senseless act of violence. I am closely monitoring the situation and working with local officials.Â
‘Thank you to the brave first responders who have provided support throughout this tragedy.’
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Ogles faced fierce backlash after saying he was ‘utterly heartbroken’ over the mass shooting at The Covenant School in Tennessee today – because of a controversial image of the politician bearing arms
However, he has since removed the post from his Facebook page, after being bombarded by criticism over the image
One furious Twitter user said: ‘Andy Ogles, a Republican who represents the district where the Covenant School is located in Nashville. Ogles has blood on his hands.’
The congressional district that Ogles has represented since 2023 falls within the boundaries of The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee.
He was also the Republican mayor of Maury County, Tennessee, from 2018 to 2022.
The Christmas message was posted on December 11, 2021 – and at the time, received a mixture of comments – some of which were negative.
One person wrote at the time: ‘Really I don’t see this appropriate for the birth of the prince of peace. I’m certainly not opposed to guns, but not like this for Christmas!’
Another said: ‘Nothing says celebrating the birth of Jesus like promoting your unnatural desire for firearms. I could vomit just looking at you. Pathetic!’ While a third said: ‘That’s the way to celebrate the coming of Christ. Wow.
‘Don’t get me wrong. I own Firearms. But I just wouldn’t mix it with a Holy Holiday. I think there is some sort of decency left in this World.
This is the heartfelt message the Rep. sent out after the shooting at the elementary school
