Buffalo Newspaper Guild Postpones Happy Hour Due to Death Threats
The Buffalo Newspaper Guild announced on Thursday that it has decided to postpone a Happy Hour event at the Buffalo History Museum following a “death threat” directed at cartoonists featured in museum exhibits. This decision arose amid serious safety concerns and specific threats that prompted intervention from the Buffalo Police.
The postponement came on the heels of controversy surrounding Buffalo News Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Adam Zyglis, whose recent Instagram post faced backlash. The cartoon depicted a man, identifiable by his “Make America Great Again” hat, being swept away by floodwaters while holding a sign reading “Help.” This image drew criticism, especially given its timing after a deadly flash flood in Texas had claimed numerous lives.
In his Instagram caption, Zyglis remarked that it would lead to an interesting discussion. However, the backlash against the cartoon led to a malicious campaign against him, resulting in serious threats toward him and his family. The guild’s statement noted that public criticisms of Zyglis’s cartoon and subsequent protests sparked a series of threats.
According to the guild, these public, nonpartisan events were intended to foster conversation about the importance of protecting journalism amid increasing pressures on news organizations. Despite that intention, the fear instigated by the threats created an atmosphere that forced the guild to take a step back.
Zyglis commented on Instagram that any threats to him or his family were unacceptable responses to artistic expression or criticism of his work. Meanwhile, reports indicated that over 170 people remained missing and at least 121 were confirmed deceased following the tragic floods in Texas.
In the midst of this turmoil, New York Democrat Tim Kennedy expressed his support for the Buffalo Newspaper Guild, emphasizing that threats against journalists undermine democratic values. He noted that Zyglis, through his art, plays a critical role in challenging and inspiring public discourse.
Conversely, Erie County GOP Chairman Michael Cracker acknowledged the fundamental nature of press freedom but also criticized the Buffalo News for the tone of Zyglis’s cartoons, highlighting the need for compassion in discussing sensitive topics.
As of now, neither the Buffalo Newspaper Guild nor Zyglis has responded to requests for further comments on these developments.
Event Canceled Following Multiple Threats Against Cartoonist Over Controversial Texas Flood Comment
Buffalo Newspaper Guild Postpones Happy Hour Due to Death Threats
The Buffalo Newspaper Guild announced on Thursday that it has decided to postpone a Happy Hour event at the Buffalo History Museum following a “death threat” directed at cartoonists featured in museum exhibits. This decision arose amid serious safety concerns and specific threats that prompted intervention from the Buffalo Police.
The postponement came on the heels of controversy surrounding Buffalo News Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Adam Zyglis, whose recent Instagram post faced backlash. The cartoon depicted a man, identifiable by his “Make America Great Again” hat, being swept away by floodwaters while holding a sign reading “Help.” This image drew criticism, especially given its timing after a deadly flash flood in Texas had claimed numerous lives.
In his Instagram caption, Zyglis remarked that it would lead to an interesting discussion. However, the backlash against the cartoon led to a malicious campaign against him, resulting in serious threats toward him and his family. The guild’s statement noted that public criticisms of Zyglis’s cartoon and subsequent protests sparked a series of threats.
According to the guild, these public, nonpartisan events were intended to foster conversation about the importance of protecting journalism amid increasing pressures on news organizations. Despite that intention, the fear instigated by the threats created an atmosphere that forced the guild to take a step back.
Zyglis commented on Instagram that any threats to him or his family were unacceptable responses to artistic expression or criticism of his work. Meanwhile, reports indicated that over 170 people remained missing and at least 121 were confirmed deceased following the tragic floods in Texas.
In the midst of this turmoil, New York Democrat Tim Kennedy expressed his support for the Buffalo Newspaper Guild, emphasizing that threats against journalists undermine democratic values. He noted that Zyglis, through his art, plays a critical role in challenging and inspiring public discourse.
Conversely, Erie County GOP Chairman Michael Cracker acknowledged the fundamental nature of press freedom but also criticized the Buffalo News for the tone of Zyglis’s cartoons, highlighting the need for compassion in discussing sensitive topics.
As of now, neither the Buffalo Newspaper Guild nor Zyglis has responded to requests for further comments on these developments.
Related News
Katherine Heigl Celebrates Reaching $5 Million in Charity at Mar-A-Lago Event
Forgive Texas Voters If They Confuse James Talarico’s Gun Record With That of a Progressive from a Blue State