The Michigan Republican Party recently came under fire for a controversial tweet connecting gun reform to the Holocaust. The party posted an image on social media depicting marriage rings that were confiscated during the Holocaust with a caption suggesting that Democrats' restrictions on gun violence could lead to similar confiscations.
The tweet quickly received widespread backlash, with many accusing the party of exploiting one of history's greatest tragedies for political gain. Several Jewish organizations and elected officials spoke out against the tweet, calling it insensitive and inappropriate.
"Comparing common-sense gun safety measures to Nazi atrocities is beyond reprehensible," said State Senator Jeremy Moss. "This kind of rhetoric has no place in our political discourse."
The Michigan GOP has since deleted the tweet and issued an apology, stating that their intention was not to offend anyone or minimize the horrors of the Holocaust.
"We regret any harm caused by our recent social media post," read a statement from party spokesperson Tony Zammit. "We understand that this image evoked strong emotions and was offensive to many people. We apologize for its use."
Despite their apology, many are still outraged by what they see as a blatant attempt to equate common-sense gun reform with one of history's darkest moments.
"The use of images from one of humanity's greatest tragedies is never acceptable in political discourse," said Rabbi Josh Whinston. "We must do better than this."