Gailus admitted that it was “far too soon” to know whether the gunman had, in fact, been influenced by Rogan’s comments on how to deal with homeless people.
British Columbians woke up Monday morning to an emergency alert issued by the provincial RCMP warning them that a series of shootings had taken place in Langley. In the hours since, it has been revealed that three people are dead, including the gunman.
After learning that the gunman had targeted homeless people, prominent local 6 o'clock news anchor Chris Gailus cited Joe Rogan as a potential influence following comments he made in a recent podcast.
I know it’s far too soon to know if the suspect in the Langley shootings of homeless people was influenced at all by Joe Rogan, but here’s the podcast host suggesting (joking?) 6 days ago that shooting homeless people is the solution to the problem. https://t.co/N9FJ7QDsR0
— Chris Gailus (@chrisgailus)
"I know it’s far too soon to know if the suspect in the Langley shootings of homeless people was influenced at all by Joe Rogan," Gailus said on Twitter, "but here’s the podcast host suggesting (joking?) 6 days ago that shooting homeless people is the solution to the problem."
In the clip from July 14, Rogan describes a homeless encampment he came across, highlighting the decrepit conditions the residents live in.
His guest, comedian Tom Segura, pointed out that in Los Angeles, the homeless encampments are "protected property," meaning you'd be arrested if you tried to move anything.
"But they wouldn't arrest you if you shot somebody," Rogan replied, citing LA's lax approach to gun violence. "Maybe you should just go and shoot the homeless people."
"I like your ideas," Segura said in response.
Following the release of the episode, Rogan was slammed for his comments, however, many pointed out that it was likely a joke.
Even Gailus, in his Tweet, admitted that Rogan could have simply been joking.
Hey @Spotify seems Joe Rogan mentioned that people should grab a gun & go shoot homeless people & now a guy in Langley BC?? is doing just that. Perhaps you might think twice about paying $100mil to a steroid-filled buffoon who thinks that shooting the homeless is a joke to air.
— Sue Irish Miller (@suedoeskelowna)
He was not the only one suggesting Rogan could have influenced the shooter. Many people across Twitter brought up the clip as news about the shooting was revealed.
According to CTV News, two men were found dead near Creekstone Place and at a bus loop outside a thrift store on Logan and Glover. A third victim was found outside the Cascades Casino on Fraser Highway and taken to hospital in critical condition, while a fourth was shot in the leg outside a strip mall at 200th Street and the Langley Bypass.
The shooting spree began before 6 am Monday morning, with the first emergency alert being sent out shortly after.
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.
