‘Across any 48hrs we also lose 300 to the flu’: Neil deGrasse Tyson is hit with huge backlash on Twitter after downplaying casualties in mass shootings that left at least 29 people dead
Neil deGrasse Tyson was the butt of criticism after posting a tweet that downplayed the impact of the mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio that left at least 29 people dead.
‘In the past 48hrs, the USA horrifically lost 34 people to mass shootings,’ the astrophysicist wrote. ‘On average, across any 48hrs, we also lose… 500 to Medical errors … 300 to the Flu … 250 to Suicide … 200 to Car Accidents … 40 to Homicide via Handgun.’
The 60-year-old wrapped up in saying, ‘Often our emotions respond more to spectacle than to data.
The latest: Neil deGrasse Tyson, 60, was the butt of criticism after posting a tweet that downplayed the impact of the mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio that left at least 29 people dead
The Manhattan native was taken to task by a number of other users on the site, including the band Smashmouth, who wrote, ‘F*** OFF!!!! There’s your data!!!!’
Activist Shannon Watts took a more eloquent approach in a tweet illustrating the flaw in Tyson’s logic.
‘Cold take, Neil,’ Watts wrote. ‘200+ Americans died from gun violence in the past 48 hours. And you list causes of death that are researched, regulated and also happen in other high income countries.
‘Our gun violence crisis is preventable and senseless and driven by a special interest.’
All-star response: The band Smash Mouth received a bonanza of likes after its short, direct message to Tyson
Responses: A number of people took the astrophysicist to task over his sentiments
Echoing a similar sentiment, a user under the handle @Rekalty wrote, We’re working to prevent medical errors. We’re working to prevent the flu. We’re working to prevent suicide. We’re working to prevent car accident. We’re doing fuck all about mass shootings.
‘Spot the difference, Neil.’
A user under the name @MrJapen pointed out to the astrophysicist the trickle-down effects of the mass shooting epidemic.
‘Can you also please quantify how fear affects our societies ability to function?’ the user wrote. ‘Or the impact these deaths have on the family, friends, and communities of the victims? Or how it can inspire more acts?
‘Seriously, f*** off with this hot garbage comparison.’
On Saturday in El Paso, Texas, suspect Patrick Crusius, 21, shot into a crowd at a Walmart, leaving 20 people dead and more than 24 others injured. Investigators are looking at Crusius’s rampage as a hate crime amid online writings that surfaced.
Later on in Dayton, Ohio, a suspect identified as Connor Betts, 24, opened fire at a bar in the city’s Oregon District, leaving nine people dead and an estimated 26 others injured. Authorities fatally shot Betts on the scene.
On scene: Authorities assisted a man who looked to be injured amid the aftermath of the Dayton, Ohio shooting
Aftermath: A family on Sunday brought flowers to a vigil adjacent to the shopping center where the shooting occurred in El Paso
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