Senator Chuck Schumer has come under fire for threatening conservative Supreme Court Justices over their stance on abortion.
Speaking at a rally held by the Center for Reproductive Rights on the court’s steps, Schumer ranted against conservative justices, Judge Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch.
“I want to tell you, Gorsuch, I want to tell you, Kavanaugh, you have released the whirlwind, and you will pay the price,” he bellowed (he’s since semi-apologized for the comments).
As Schumer climbed down from the podium, things then took a rather dark turn when an abortion campaigner named Renee Bracey Sherman got up and openly celebrated all those who have terminated the life of a baby.
“Let’s hear it for Senator Schumer!” she shouted. “Let’s hear it for all the people who have abortions.. let’s hear it for all our trans folk who have abortions!”
Sherman’s opening remarks were of a similar ilk. “My name is Renee Bracey Sherman, and I’ve had an abortion!” she screamed to rapturous applause. The activist proceeded to force the crowd to engage in whooping and shouting at every mention of having an abortion.
“I had an abortion when I was 19,” she said, to more hollering and cheering. “It was honestly one of the best decisions of my life.”
Senator Schumer’s remarks — which were interpreted as a blatant threat –have been widely condemned by Republicans.
Senator Ted Cruz gave his reaction to Fox and Friends, insisting that Schumer’s comments were “unacceptable” and should result in disciplinary action.
“Whether it’s a threat of political retribution or something even worse, that’s not clear.. but it is judicial intimidation,” Cruz said. “The Senate should seriously consider taking disciplinary steps. When you have the leader of one of the two parties going to the steps of the Supreme Court, threatening and trying to intimidate Supreme Court justices.. it undermines the rule of law, it undermines the judiciary.. it’s just flat-out wrong.”
President Trump tweeted about the Senate Minority leader’s remarks, warning that Schumer had actually issued a “direct & dangerous threat to the U.S. Supreme Court.”
“If a Republican did this, he or she would be arrested, or impeached. Serious action MUST be taken NOW!” the President added.
Schumer has since issued an apology of sorts for the comments: