Democratic Candidate Resigns After Controversial Vegas Shooting Post Backfires

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South Windsor, CT town council candidate Ritu Goel withdrew from the race after controversy surrounding her recent Facebook post. Mrs. Goel suggested that gun owners should’ve been killed in the Las Vegas shooting and not innocent victims. The town mayor and members of her community, were appalled by her comments.

From Eye Witness News WFSB 3:

A woman running for town council in South Windsor is withdrawing from the race following a controversial social media post about the Las Vegas shooting.

The horrific mass shooting in Las Vegas left many people upset and outraged. They took to social media to voice their opinions, including Ritu Goel.

“Prayers for Las Vegas. People who are in favor of guns should have been on that strip,” Ritu Goel wrote.

The one time Democratic candidate posted the comment on Facebook.

Wednesday, she released a statement after receiving backlash.

 “For the safety of my family I am withdrawing my candidacy for town council. I will also step down from the South Windsor Alliance for Progress because I do not want to jeopardize their great work. I am afraid for the safety of my kids, my husband and my mom who is just visiting. I have lived here for 23 years, and that beautiful life has been threatened. My professional life is at stake. Last night I went to the police station accompanied by some fellow Democrats, to ask for police protection. 

“We recently celebrated diversity in this town. But that is not what I have experienced in the last 24 hours. The calls I am getting not only insult me, but insult our diverse team running for Town Council. The signs for our non-white candidates have been taken off lawns. Another caller said one candidate is “an idiot.” 

“Politics has become a blood sport in South Windsor. My one badly worded, emotional painful Facebook post was taken out of context and exploited by our political opponents on social media and news channels. An apology has not stopped the hate directed towards me and my family.   

 “I have never advocated violence against anyone, nor did my social media comment. What I expressed is complete frustration with the lack of sensible gun controls and my hope that those who support the NRA in believing that guns are more important than lives will see the Las Vegas tragedy and change their minds.   

“Kathy Dougherty and the Republicans claim there is “no room for hate” in our town. I would urge her and her colleagues to start at home. Start by truly listening to one another instead of demonizing for the sake of political gain. Think about embracing the frustration everyone is feeling, and find bipartisan solutions to prevent more tragedies. We desperately need to change the culture of this town and our country.” 

Watch the news segment here:

WFSB 3 Connecticut

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