Parkland Victim's Father Calls for Rep. Ogles' Removal Over Gun Violence Stance

Fred Guttenberg, a leading gun safety advocate and father of a victim of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, has publicly demanded the removal of Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN) from office. In a recent social media post, Guttenberg directly challenged the congressman, stating, "Please join me in a commitment to fire those like @RepOgles who offer prayers while pushing a culture of gun violence that results in school shootings." This statement underscores a persistent national debate regarding legislative action versus symbolic gestures in response to gun violence.

Guttenberg's advocacy intensified following the tragic death of his 14-year-old daughter, Jaime, in the Parkland massacre, which claimed 17 lives. He has since become a vocal proponent for stricter gun control measures, including universal background checks and bans on assault weapons. His public statements frequently highlight the perceived inadequacy of "thoughts and prayers" without accompanying policy changes to address gun violence.

Representative Ogles, serving Tennessee's 5th Congressional District, is recognized for his deeply conservative political positions and staunch defense of Second Amendment rights. His public image has previously drawn attention, notably through a Christmas card featuring his family posing with firearms. Ogles has also been cited for strong rhetoric on other issues, including a controversial "kill 'em all" comment regarding Hamas earlier this year.

The direct call to "fire" Rep. Ogles by a prominent figure like Guttenberg reflects the growing frustration among gun control advocates over the perceived lack of legislative progress. This tension is particularly acute in the aftermath of school shootings, where calls for action often clash with political stances emphasizing individual gun ownership rights. The tweet frames the issue as a direct consequence of a "culture of gun violence" allegedly fostered by such political positions.