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John Fetterman's Bizarre Shotgun | |
| 11-10-22 | |
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Fetterman was criticized for an incident in North Braddock in January 2013 when he heard a sound he thought was gunfire, and followed an unarmed jogger, whom he detained with a shotgun. [46] The jogger, Chris Miyares, a black American , said that what Fetterman thought were gunshots were actually kids shooting bottle rockets . Fetterman said no debris had been found. [47] Miyares claimed that Fetterman pointed the shotgun at his chest while he loaded the gun and then aimed the gun at his face. [46] Fetterman denies that he pointed the gun at Miyares and says he only pointed the gun in a way to show that he was armed, and that he "didn't even have a round chambered or the safety off." [46] He said he believed he "did the right thing" and has not apologized. [48] [46] No charges were brought against either in connection with the incident, [47] and Miyares never filed a formal complaint. [46] The incident gained new attention during Fetterman's Senate bid , with critics alleging a racial element to the incident. [47] [49] [48] Fetterman's campaign denied allegations of racism, claiming that Miyares was wearing a black sweatsuit and mask, so Fetterman couldn't have identified his race or gender. [47] [49] Fetterman also added that Miyares was running in the direction of a school, and that he made the decision to approach him with the firearm due to the event's proximity in time to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting . [47] In 2021, Miyares wrote that Fetterman had "lied about everything" that happened during the incident, but had "done far more good than that one bad act" and, "should not be defined by it", and hoped he would win the Senate race. [50] Fetterman's political opponents have questioned Miyares' statement forgiving Fetterman. [48]
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