A Louisiana congressman who faced heavy critique on Monday over a Facebook post proclaiming that “all of Christendom is at war with Islamic horror” later published a follow-up message about “courage” as intensely negative scrutiny mounted.
“The fate of the free world will be determined by the courageous, not by the intimidated,” Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) wrote in a short, yet pointed, Facebook message.
Higgins also told media that he was shocked to see his initial post spark so much controversy, as he considers himself a kind and loving human being who simply has no tolerance for “people who blow up children.”
https://www.facebook.com/captclayhiggins/posts/999129590190053
The subsequent post about courage came as citizens and media, alike, reacted with furor to an earlier post he published on Sunday — one that sparked scores of negative comments on his Facebook page.
“The free world… all of Christendom… is at war with Islamic horror. Not one penny of American treasure should be granted to any nation who harbors these heathen animals,” he wrote. “Not a single radicalized Islamic suspect should be granted any measure of quarter. Their intended entry to the American homeland should be summarily denied.”
As Faithwire previously reported, Higgins posted these comments in response to the terror attack in London over the weekend. But he wasn’t done there. He went on to say that the U.S. should vigilantly go after terrorists wherever they reside.
https://www.facebook.com/captclayhiggins/posts/997878010315211:0
“Every conceivable measure should be engaged to hunt them down,” he said. “Hunt them, identify them, and kill them. Kill them all. For the sake of all that is good and righteous. Kill them all.”
Despite sparking outrage, Higgins told the Washington Post that he was surprised that the post sparked controversy — and he explained that he was speaking about targeting radical Muslims, not peaceful Islamic adherents, as some had interpreted.
He also told the Post that he was not speaking about Christianity as a whole, but that he was, instead, referencing the west more generally.
“I can tell you that there weren’t many Muslims in that part of Louisiana, but those that I have met have been very cool and very loving,” Higgins told the outlet. “Many Muslims are American citizens and I’d give my last life’s blood for any one of them, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to speak out boldly and from my heart about the threat we face as a nation and as a world.”
In the end, Higgins said he is a “compassionate, loving human being” and that he spoke out due to his passion for others.
“But I got no love for people who blow up children at a concert,” he told the Post. “What kind of a man would strap a bomb to his chest and blow up children?”
This isn’t the first time some of his statements have landed him in hot water. You can read more about that here.