The mayor of Kansas City has sparked controversy after condemning Missouri Governor Mike Parson for referring to the gunmen who opened fire at the Super Bowl celebration as “thugs.”

Governor Parson’s remarks on a radio show, where he stated, “We can’t let some thugs just take over and ruin what happened,” drew ire from Mayor Quinton Lucas, who expressed strong disagreement with the characterization.

The shooting incident claimed one life and left 22 individuals injured, yet the suspects, who are juveniles, remain unidentified, technically fitting the description of “murderous thugs.”

While Mayor Lucas acknowledged his amicable relationship with the governor, he criticized Parson’s choice of words, deeming it a “dog whistle” with racial undertones, despite the racial identity of the perpetrators remaining undisclosed.

The delay in releasing information, including the suspects’ identities, has led to speculation, with some suggesting that race may play a factor in the handling of the case.

CNN reporter Shimon Prokupecz voiced bewilderment over the lack of updates from law enforcement, highlighting the absence of arrests hours after the shooting.

Observers note a disparity in the public disclosure of information, particularly concerning the race of suspects, in incidents involving mass shootings. This inconsistency, they argue, underscores broader societal biases.

Conservative commentator Ann Coulter echoed these sentiments during a recent appearance on Bill Maher’s HBO show, highlighting the discrepancy in how incidents involving white perpetrators versus those involving individuals from marginalized communities are handled by the media and law enforcement.

MAHER: I mean, we don’t know who did this shooting, by the way, the Super Bowl.

COULTER: We have some idea.

MAHER: What?

COULTER: If it were a white man shooting, we’d know.

MAHER: Well we don’t know. I mean they haven’t

COULTER: That’s how we know it’s not a white man. I can tell you that much.

MAHER: You think they were repressing that reporting?

COULTER: They wouldn’t tell us about the, transgender woman that shot up the Christian school for, what, like a year? Oh, San Bernardino out here. Remember the crazy terrorist Muslims? That’s when I first noticed. Hm, they’re not telling us who it is. It’s not a white male.

The longer they go without telling you, it’s not a white male.

MAHER: Well for this one, for right now, as of Friday night, February 16th”

COULTER: We know.

MAHER: We don’t officially know. Okay, you know, you have special powers.

COULTER: We’ll see.Real Time With Bill Maher

The controversy surrounding the use of the term “thugs” by Governor Parson underscores deeper societal tensions and perceptions regarding crime, race, and public discourse.

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