Fox’s Megyn Kelly got into a heated debate on Thursday night with CNN anchor Don Lemon. The two argued over whether or not TV journalists should publicize the name of the gunman who killed at least 10 people and wounded several more at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon earlier in the day.
Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin pledged not to name the shooter, and Megyn Kelly agrees with him. Don Lemon, however, feels otherwise.
“[Authorities] know who the shooter is,” he said. “We have named it, Chris Harper Mercer, 26 years old.”
Don Lemon understands why the sheriff refused to name the shooter, but feels that, “unfortunately we … must identify him because that is our job.”
Megyn Kelly took to Twitter to praise Sheriff John Hanlin.
Sheriff Hanlin re: #OregonShooting – "I will not name the shooter. I will not give him the credit he probably sought." GOOD FOR HIM!
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) October 2, 2015
Sheriff re:#OregonShooting -"You will never hear me mention his name. We would encourage media & the community to avoid using it." Right on.
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) October 2, 2015
The host of The Kelly File also condemned Don Lemon in a subsequent Tweet.
My friend @donlemon says "we (TV news) must identify him b/c that is our job." No. Print media can. TV gives infamy he prob desired. Don't!
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) October 2, 2015
The CNN host stuck to his belief, but explained that he understands how Megyn Kelly feels. He doesn’t want to give the mass shooter any more TV time than necessary.
Hi Megyn. My heart agrees with you, but I believe we (journalists) must name shooters. Sparingly though. https://t.co/3UVmixNECP
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) October 2, 2015
Who do you believe is right in this situation? Do you side with Megyn Kelly or Don Lemon?
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