Republican Fundraising Event Features Biden Mannequin
Shared Footage Shows Kicking and Assault
Growing Criticism Within Republican Party
At a Republican fundraising event held in Kansas, USA, controversy has arisen after attendees were seen kicking a mannequin resembling U.S. President Joe Biden.
On the 8th (local time), an attendee at a Republican fundraising event in Kansas, USA, kicked a mannequin of U.S. President Joe Biden with their foot. [Image source=Captured from X (formerly Twitter)]
On the 13th (local time), major foreign media including the Associated Press reported that attendees at a Republican-hosted fundraising event held on the 8th in Overland Park, Kansas, assaulted a life-sized mannequin resembling President Biden by hitting and kicking it. The controversy grew especially after videos capturing the incident were shared on social media platforms. A bigger issue is that participants were encouraged to donate before attacking the mannequin.
In the video, attendees kicked a mannequin of President Biden wearing a T-shirt with the phrase "Let's Go Brandon" and struck the mannequin's head multiple times with a hammer-like tool. [Image source=Capture from X (formerly Twitter)]
In the video, attendees are seen kicking the Biden mannequin wearing a T-shirt with the phrase "Let’s Go Brandon." They also struck the mannequin’s head multiple times with a hammer-like tool. "Let’s Go Brandon" is a slogan used by supporters of former President Donald Trump to mock President Biden. It originated in 2021 during a post-race interview with a NASCAR winner when the crowd was heard shouting profanities directed at President Biden, but an NBC reporter claimed the crowd was chanting "Let’s Go Brandon."
After the video spread, a Republican official who organized the event explained, "After the party event, we opened a booth to promote self-defense classes at a karate dojo," adding, "No one requested donations in exchange for hitting the training equipment." The mannequin was unrelated to the fundraising event and was immediately removed. However, this weak excuse has led to calls for the resignation of the event organizers not only from the Democratic Party but also within the Republican Party.
Mike Kuckelman, former Kansas Republican Party chairman, said, "The overwhelming majority of Republicans in Kansas feel disgusted just as much as I do," adding, "I do not agree with President Biden’s policies, but we are all colleagues." He emphasized, "No one should condone or tolerate this terrible and shameful act." Dan Hawkins, Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives (Republican), strongly criticized the incident, saying, "What may seem like a joke to some could be perceived as allowing behavior that might lead to tragic consequences."
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