Twitter users took Vice President Mike Pence to task on Friday over his tweets about the death of George Floyd ― an unarmed Black man who died on Monday in Minneapolis after a police officer knelt on his neck ― and the protests that have since spread across the country.
“We have no tolerance for racism in America. We have no tolerance for violence inspired by racism,” Pence wrote in one tweet, adding in another: “We condemn violence against property or persons. We will always stand for the right of Americans to peacefully protest and let their voices be heard.”
Our prayers are with the family of George Floyd and our prayers are also with the family of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia. We have no tolerance for racism in America. We have no tolerance for violence inspired by racism. And, as President Trump said, justice will be served.
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) May 29, 2020
We believe in law and order in this Country. We condemn violence against property or persons. We will always stand for the right of Americans to peacefully protest and let their voices be heard.
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) May 29, 2020
Many critics accused Pence of hypocrisy, noting how he walked out of an NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 in protest at the 49ers players who took a knee during the national anthem.
The athletes were powerfully yet peacefully protesting police brutality and systemic racial injustice, following the lead of former 49er Colin Kaepernick.
Others scolded Pence for putting the word “property” before the word “persons” in his post:
When Mike Pence decided to walk out during a peaceful protest during the national anthem at a Colts game in 2017, it cost taxpayers $325,000. https://t.co/UsR0XfoLiA
— Cory Provost (@coryprovost) May 30, 2020
It’s astounding, and a little insulting, how absolutely apparent the hypocrisy is.
This man staged a walkout (on taxpayer money) of a peaceful protest.
They’re not even TRYING anymore. They think you’re that dumb.
Vote them all out. You HAVE to. https://t.co/kLgqlyNtQS
— Lawrence Sonntag (@SirLarr) May 29, 2020
Property first. Then people. I’m beginning to think we should not put these dudes in positions of unthinkable power https://t.co/FQvIOSYzRj
— Jason (@longwall26) May 29, 2020
Is this Mike Pence related in any way to U.S. VP Mike Pence, the hater of peaceful protest by Colin Kaepernick? Couldn’t be. https://t.co/FraWZGeYKW
— Scott Ostler (@scottostler) May 29, 2020
You literally stormed out of a football game because some players tried to peacefully protest and let their voices be heard. https://t.co/spANHxdd1T
— Brandon J. Smith (@brandonjsmith5) May 29, 2020
