Arkansas State Rep. Nate Bell apologizes for ‘cowering Boston liberals’ AR-15 tweet

An Arkansas State representative, Nate Bell, created quite a stir this morning when he attempted to score points on the gun control debate using Boston as an example.

On Twitter he wrote:

"I wonder how many Boston liberals spent the night cowering in their homes wishing they had an AR-15 with a hi-capacity magazine? #2a"

The tweet went viral and the negative response was swift.

Esquire magazine's comments may have been the most harsh.

In a blog post titled "Bite Me," Charles B. Pierce wrote:

Far be it from me to suggest that any of my fellow residents of the Commonwealth (God save it!) might want to discuss Representative Bell's insights with him, but here's his official contact page. Be polite. Be nice. Tell him that God loves him as he loves all mouthy hicks.

Arkansas' House Speaker Davy Carter also responded to the tweet – albeit more southern decency:

On behalf of the Arkansas House of Representatives and the state of Arkansas, I want to extend my deepest apologies to the people of the City of Boston and the state of Massachusetts for the inappropriate and insensitive comment made this morning by an Arkansas House member.

It took Bell about four hours to offer an apology:

I would like to apologize to the people of Boston & Massachusetts for the poor timing of my tweet earlier this morning. As a staunch and unwavering supporter of the individual right to self defense, I expressed my point of view without thinking of its effect on those still in time of crisis. In hindsight, given the ongoing tragedy that is still unfolding, I regret the poor choice of timing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers were with the people of Boston overnight and will continue as they recover from this tragedy.