Fred Guttenberg, the father of a high school student who was killed in the 2018 Parkland mass shooting, was ejected from the House chamber for shouting out during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.
Guttenberg was attending the address as a guest of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who exchanged her own barbs with Trump. While Trump spoke about protecting the Second Amendment, Guttenberg yelled out “What about my daughter!”
After being taken out of the chamber by a plainclothes police officer, Guttenberg later apologized on Twitter, saying it was a “rough night.”
(2,2) That said, I should not have yelled out. I am thankful for the overwhelming support that I am receiving. However, I do owe my family and friends an apology. I have tried to conduct myself with dignity throughout this process and I will do better as I pursue gun safety.
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) February 5, 2020
“I should not have yelled out,” he wrote. “I am thankful for the overwhelming support that I am receiving. However, I do owe my family and friends an apology.”
Since his daughter’s death, Guttenberg has become an outspoken gun activist. After he was removed, several politicians came to his defense, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).
Grateful to call you an ally. You stood by CA when we fought for the toughest gun safety laws in the nation—and won.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) February 5, 2020
We simply should not have to live in fear of going to a movie, a concert or sending our kids to school.
Thank you for your advocacy. I know Jaime would be proud. https://t.co/R2IZGPhUsR
Trump has not addressed Guttenberg shouting out during his speech, and despite promises to enact gun control reform, there have been no national restrictions on access to firearms since the Parkland, Florida, shooting.