Why Wasn't Former GOP Congressman Joe Walsh Arrested After Threatening President Obama?

Difficult times in our country’s history have proven to show the true colors of many a sketchy politician over the decades and former GOP congressman Joe Walsh is the latest example.

When shots rang out in downtown Dallas, Texas last Thursday as residents gathered for a peaceful protest against the senseless police killings of Black men earlier in the week, the nation was on edge while waiting to hear details regarding the incident. Many took to social media to share their thoughts on the shooting as it was unfolding and Joe Walsh took his opportunity to do the same with a series of highly inappropriate tweets mentioning President Barack Obama. One tweet in particular, which has since been deleted, even went as far as to threaten President Obama with the words, “Watch out Obama. Watch out black lives matter punks. Real America is coming after you.”

Here's former Illinois congressman Joe Walsh's tweet threatening the life of President Obama. pic.twitter.com/TSWwHx8vpm

— (((Rollie Hobbes))) (@R0H09) July 8, 2016

Empowering Photo Of Black Woman Peacefully Protesting Against Officers In Riot Gear Goes Viral

The blatant racist undertones and outward threatening of the POTUS immediately caused an uproar on social media, with many calling for Walsh’s arrest. 

Joe Walsh needs to be arrested for threatening our President. STFU @walshfreedom

— John Legend (@johnlegend) July 8, 2016

Walsh later backtracked on his comments with a follow up tweet once the original in question was deleted, but maintained his position that President Obama is somehow responsible for the deaths of the Dallas officers who were fatally shot during Thursday’s attack and should face consequences. 

I wasn't calling for violence, against Obama or anyone. Obama's words & BLM's deeds have gotten cops killed. Time for us to defend our cops.

— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) July 8, 2016

However, he later went on to stand by the threatening tweet during an appearance on CNN the following night.

How is it that a former Republican Congressman can threaten the President of the United States on a public platform and then publicly declare that he stands by his statements without facing consequences under the law? 

WANT MORE FROM ESSENCE? Subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest in hair, beauty, style and celebrity news.