Enid, OK – Oklahoma U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin found himself in hot water this weekend after posting a video that seemed to suggest that physical altercations between politicians and journalists could reduce the number of “false stories” in the media.
The remarks were made in a video shared on Mullin’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), where the senator told the story of Charles Kincaid, a reporter who killed former Kentucky Rep. William Taulbee in 1890. The tale, according to Mullin, involved a volatile relationship between Kincaid and Taulbee, which was sparked by Kincaid’s reporting on an affair involving Taulbee. After a heated confrontation on the House floor, Kincaid returned with a pistol and shot Taulbee dead.
While Mullin seemed to be using the historical event to make a point, the suggestion that journalists might benefit from physical confrontations with politicians was met with immediate criticism. Many saw it as a dangerous and inappropriate comment, especially given the current climate surrounding threats to journalists and freedom of the press.
The backlash was swift, with many calling Mullin’s remarks reckless and unbecoming of an elected official. The Oklahoman, a prominent Oklahoma newspaper, covered Mullin’s comments, which led the senator to respond, claiming that his comments were made in jest. “Thanks for watching my videos,” Mullin wrote on X in a follow-up post, “Imagine being a newspaper this out of touch with Oklahoma.” In the post, he included an image of a map of the state with every county shaded red, a likely reference to the state’s political leanings.
However, the damage had already been done. Journalists and media organizations quickly condemned Mullin’s remarks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful relationship between the press and politicians. The suggestion that physical violence could somehow play a role in correcting the media seemed to strike a nerve, especially given the growing number of threats faced by journalists in the current political climate.
Mullin’s story about Kincaid and Taulbee, while an interesting piece of historical trivia, does little to justify the tone of his comments. While politicians and the press have often had contentious relationships, the idea of using violence to resolve such differences is far removed from the principles of democratic governance and free speech.
In the aftermath of the incident, Mullin’s office declined to comment further, though he stands by his claim that the remarks were a joke. The senator’s attempt at humor has left many wondering if the line between political commentary and dangerous rhetoric has been crossed.
