MDP Statement on MTGOP Representative Steve Gist's Social Media Post

Helena, MT - The Montana Democratic Party issued the following statement upon learning about a social media post by an MTGOP lawmaker appearing to reference the recent politically motivated shootings of Minnesota lawmakers:

“The Montana Democratic Party is aware of Representative Steve Gist’s social media post and unequivocally condemns his violent, incendiary rhetoric. 

Violence has no place in our democracy, and the language used in Gist’s post stokes division and contributes to the extremist toxicity that exists online and perpetuates political violence.  

We are appalled by the silence from Montana Republican leaders and call on Senator Daines, Senator Tim Sheehy, Governor Gianforte, Senate President Matt Regier, House Speaker Brandon Ler, and MTGOP Chair Don Kaltschmidt to denounce Gist’s actions.” 

- Justin Ailport, Interim Executive Director of the Montana Democratic Party