Laura Loomer drew fresh scorn on Wednesday after she posted on social media a blunt reaction to a violent attack near the White House. Minutes after news broke that two National Guard troops had been shot, she wrote, “That’s it. I want a King.”
The shooting left the guard members critically hurt and sent federal agents into a broad probe across the country. Authorities said they were treating the attack as a serious crime and were searching for motive as they questioned witnesses and examined devices. The episode set off a fierce debate about safety and how public figures should respond when violence hits close to home.
Loomer is well known in conservative circles as a vocal supporter of president Donald Trump and a persistent online activist. She has pushed for loyalty tests inside government and has pointed fingers at officials she views as disloyal. Her new call for a monarch style leader pushed many observers past mere disagreement and into outright mockery.
The Dispatch’s Jonah Goldberg replied, “Anti-American. Like literally, anti-American and un-American.”
The CATO Institute’s Joshua Claybourn added, “The post-liberal moment has definitely arrived. Both parties are heading in a new direction.”
Those formal rebukes were joined by sharper, less polite replies from other users.
Critics said the timing of Loomer’s post made it worse. When a city reels from violence, many expect public figures to focus on victims and facts. Calling for radical political change in that moment felt to some like a tone deaf performance and a bid for attention at the expense of real pain.b
Below are some additional reactions from X.
Featured image via X screengrab
A takeover for headlines, not people
Initiatives sailed straight into chaos
Free speech, apparently, has character limits
Big promises, disputed numbers, and a familiar economic debate
A speech interrupted — and amplified.
Claims of victory, proof still missing