A spokesperson for the U.S. Capitol Police today confirmed that they are working with the FBI on “an active, open investigation” into threats against Rep. Todd Akin of Missouri.
Akin’s televised comments Sunday about “legitimate rape” incensed many, including those in his own party, many of whom urged him to withdraw from the race for Missouri’s U.S. Senate seat. Threats of violence, though, are another matter.
As much as I dislike Rep. Todd Akin (R) & his ideas, I'm against threatening the man. Whoever's doing that is a coward. Use your votes!
— Ms. Molly and Judy (@taliessa) August 23, 2012
Come on people, violence is never the solution. Use your voting power. This is a sad situation.
— Ms. Molly and Judy (@taliessa) August 23, 2012
Threat Against Rep. Akin Being Investigated http://t.co/57tXX3GJ (I may not want him in race but he is a GOOD man & doesn't deserve this)
— Linda M Ragsdale (@Linda_Ragsdale) August 23, 2012
https://twitter.com/PJGJ03/status/238773454428577792
For many, it seems, the temptation to turn Akin’s own words against him is too great to resist, no matter the circumstances.
Is it a legitimate threat? RT @PoliticalTicker Capitol Police, FBI investigating threat against Akin – http://t.co/aRaQjg1E (via @cnnbrk)
— John (@JKLPPNBRG) August 23, 2012
Was it a legitimate threat? RT @PoliticalTicker: Capitol Police, FBI investigating threat against Akin – http://t.co/w72HX955
— rock_city_girl (@rock_city_girl) August 23, 2012
A legitimate threat? RT @ABC15Desk: (AP) — US Capitol police investigating reported threat against Missouri Rep. Todd Akin.
— Scott Hanson (@Hanner66) August 23, 2012
"legitimate threat" or it doesn't count. MT @politico: WASHINGTON (AP) – US Capitol police investigating reported threat against Akin.
— Adam Corey (@frumpy) August 23, 2012
Yes, but was it a legitimate threat? @AP: BREAKING: US Capitol police investigating reported threat against Missouri Rep. Todd Akin.
— Elle Grrrr (@Buncombian) August 23, 2012
You get the idea. We’ll stop there, even as Twitter sadly is just getting started.