Conor Berry was a journalist staffed by the Republican, a publication based in Springfield Massachusetts. He was until he took to Twitter to report to report that the suspect of the recent Maryland shooting was wearing a Trump hat.
Following the incident, Berry wrote on his Twitter, “Can’t take it back; wish I could,”
The reporter officially resigned from the position on Friday.
His tweet contained a suggestion that the “Make America Great Again” hat was either worn or brought to the office of the Capital Gazette and left behind after.
Springfield Republican reporter resigns after tweet about Maryland newspaper gunman https://t.co/FpVj7abeqk
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) June 30, 2018
Berry has since claimed that the social media posting was not aimed to be taken literally — and that it was supposed to be a “snarky, sarcastic, cynical remark.” (Twitter)
Backlash was swift. Berry deleted the tweet and apologized in a follow-up tweet Friday morning.
“Folks, My 21-year career as a “journalist,” a fancy term that makes my skin crawl, frankly, came to a screeching halt yesterday with one stupid, regrettable tweet,” Barry wrote. “Can’t take it back; wish I could. My since apologies to all good, hardworking reporters and to POTUS supporters.”
In his letter of resignation, Conor noted that his action “taints the good work of fair-minded journalists everywhere.”
An employee of the Republican noted that reporters need to be “more vigilant than ever” in regards to reporting accurate information.
Folks, My 21-year career as a "journalist," a fancy term that makes my skin crawl, frankly, came to a screeching halt yesterday with one stupid, regrettable tweet. Can't take it back; wish I could. My sincere apologies to all good, hardworking reporters and to POTUS supporters.
— CONOR BERRY (@CBerry413) June 29, 2018
Other reporters have also had to backpedal after making similar statements on Twitter.
A journalist from Reuters named Rob Cox posted this on Twitter, “This is what happens when @realDonaldTrump calls journalists the enemy of the people. Blood is your hands, Mr. President. Save your thoughts and prayers for your empty soul.”
This tweet was later deleted.