Just hours after a deadly container ship crash that destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge over Baltimore Harbor, a Utah Republican is sure he knows what really caused the disaster.
According to Utah news site KSL, state Rep. Phil Lyman of Blanding, who is challenging incumbent Gov. Spencer Cox, suggested in a post on X that the problem was caused by diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives — a policy that has been subject to frequent attacks from the right.
Replying to a post by the Young Conservatives Federation, which had asserted that Port of Baltimore Commissioner Karenthia A. Barber, who is Black, "knows nothing about ports," Lyman wrote, "This is what happens when you have Governors who prioritize diversity over the wellbeing and security of citizens."
He wrote in a second post, "DEI = DIE."
The Baltimore bridge collapse occurred when a Singaporean container vessel lost power and crashed into the main support structure of the bridge, causing it to collapse into the bay. As of Tuesday evening, six people were presumed dead.
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Lyman's remarks triggered immediate outrage, with Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill posting, "While some argue abt the presence of racism in America others running for office can’t but help confirm it when they open their mouth. No real connection but delusions of a feeble mind who should not be in charge of a remote control let alone a State. Well done Sir, Utah Proud!"
Diversity initiatives have been a frequent red flag to right-wingers in recent months. Even the Trump campaign is reportedly fearful that this panic will drive nonwhite voters away from the Republican Party.
Tuesday morning's collapse was also blamed on President Joe Biden's infrastructure law, open borders and Russian terrorism.
