Gunshots were reported outside the Hart Senate Office Building shortly before 2:20 p.m.
Rep. Tim Griffin (R-AR) tweeted from his personal account at 2:23 p.m. that he’d heard or heard about “gun shots outside the Capitol.”
Gun shots outside the Capitol.
— Tim Griffin (@TimGriffinAR2) October 3, 2013
Two minutes later, at 2:25 p.m., the congressman followed up that tweet by laying the blame for the shooting on President Barack Obama and some Democratic congressional leaders.
“Stop the violent rhetoric President Obama, Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. #Disgusting,” Griffin posted.
Stop the violent rhetoric President Obama, Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. #Disgusting
— Tim Griffin (@TimGriffinAR2) October 3, 2013
At 3:08 p.m., after receiving a number of unfavorable reactions from other Twitter users, Griffin apologized for his remark.
"The shooting today is a terrible and inexcusable tragedy and an act of terroism," Griffin said. "No one but the shooter is to blame. I tweeted out of emotion but agree that the timing was not helpful."
The shooting today is a terrible and inexcusable tragedy and an act of terroism. No one but the shooter is ... http://t.co/1rscc95Tj5
— Tim Griffin (@TimGriffinAR2) October 3, 2013
