GOP senator opposed to gun control mocked for bill proposal after airline pet death

Social media users laid into Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) for vowing to file legislation about animals in overhead bins on flights while not calling for more gun control.

Kennedy has been outspoken over the past two days about the airlines issue after a dog died on a United flight after a flight attendant told the owners to put the dog in an overhead bin.

“I will be filing a bill tomorrow that will prohibit airlines from putting animals in overhead bins,” Kennedy tweeted on Wednesday. “Violators will face significant fines. Pets are family.”

I will be filing a bill tomorrow that will prohibit airlines from putting animals in overhead bins. Violators will face significant fines. Pets are family.

— John Kennedy (@SenJohnKennedy) March 14, 2018

Twitter users were quick to jump on Kennedy for the timing of his proposal, which took place the same day that thousands of students nationwide walked out of school to protest gun violence and honor victims of the Feb. 14 Florida school shooting that left 17 dead.

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After the shooting last month, Kennedy said that the country needs “more idiot control” instead of more gun control.

Kennedy wrote a letter on Tuesday to United’s president demanding details about pet deaths on airlines. The airline has taken responsibility and apologized for the incident.

Many Twitter users responded to Kennedy’s tweet, questioning whether he would address gun control. Some called the senator “tone deaf.”

I commend you for quickly introducing legislation to avoid same horrible tragedy, after a dog died on an airline. I hope it passes.
It would be nice if you and your colleagues would pass legislation to avoid same horrible tragedy after 17 kids and faculty were killed at a school. https://t.co/RWlONWffm5

— Ana Navarro (@ananavarro) March 15, 2018

Sooooo….a single puppy dies on a plane and you introduce a Bill in two days. 17 kids die and we don’t even have hearings. Real profile in courage. https://t.co/r8BJ4EhG1E

— Fred Wellman (@FPWellman) March 15, 2018

How about sneaking in an assault weapons ban in that bill too?

— Miss G (@GCasale) March 14, 2018

How about we ban assault weapons first.

7,000 children dead since Newtown. pic.twitter.com/Ivv3ZMRqY6

— Jenny Sant’Anna (@TWA2Jenny) March 14, 2018

Survivors of the Florida shooting have helped reignite the national debate on gun control by organizing protests, speaking out on television and social media and pressing lawmakers to cut ties with the National Rifle Association.

Updated at 10:16 a.m.