PA Democratic candidate’s past pro-gun, anti-Kaepernick comments face criticism

A Democratic lawmaker from Pennsylvania has recently apologized for Facebook posts that defended police officers and supported gun rights during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. Bob Brooks, a former firefighter and union leader, is challenging Republican Rep. Ryan McKenzie, who won his seat in 2024 by a narrow margin against Democratic incumbent Susan Wilde. Brooks focuses his campaign on appealing to blue-collar workers, advocating for job training and supporting labor unions, while also aligning with progressive issues like universal Medicaid.

A local blogger raised concerns about Brooks’s candidacy for the Democratic nomination after he posted a meme emphasizing gun rights the day after the tragic mass shooting in El Paso, Texas, which left 23 dead. The meme featured Clint Eastwood with a rifle and stated, “The problem is not guns; it’s hearts without God, homes without discipline, schools without prayer, and courts without justice.” It also included a skull with the Roman numeral III, which is linked to a far-right militia known as the Three Percenters.

On his campaign website, Brooks states his respect for the Second Amendment while advocating for stricter gun regulations, such as universal background checks and waiting periods to prevent dangerous individuals from obtaining firearms. He expressed concern for children feeling unsafe at school, insisting that responsible gun owners shouldn’t be affected by these laws.

Brooks faced criticism when, in another Facebook post from 2019, he referred to NFL player Colin Kaepernick as “stupid” during the national anthem kneeling protest against police brutality. At the time, he encouraged sharing a meme featuring the Star-Spangled Banner alongside a commentary about Kaepernick’s views.

During the Black Lives Matter protests following George Floyd’s death, Brooks urged people not to forget the positive contributions of law enforcement, recalling their responses during significant events like 9/11. He remarked, “Maybe we have forgotten the good things,” suggesting that calls for reform shouldn’t overlook the good police officers.

When asked about his past social media comments, a spokesperson for Brooks’s campaign did not directly address those concerns. Instead, they highlighted his backing from influential Democrats, including Governor Shapiro and Senator Bernie Sanders, emphasizing his appeal to working-class voters.

Brooks accused “D.C. insiders” of bringing up old Facebook posts to undermine his campaign and offered a vague apology, admitting, “I have shared some stupid things over the years, and for that I am sorry.” He maintained that he has always been clear about his values.

Some left-leaning supporters, including the Working Families Party, continue to back his campaign. They emphasized that Brooks is a lifelong Democrat committed to progressive principles, asserting he is the only candidate in the race who has genuinely fought for working people.

Prominent Pennsylvania Democrats are rallying behind Brooks as he prepares for the upcoming primary election on May 19th.