Political Firestorm: Newsom's Office Sparks Secret Service Inquiry Over 'Satirical' Kristi Noem Video

A recent social media post by California Governor Gavin Newsom's press office has ignited a political firestorm, prompting a formal threat assessment referral to the U.S. Secret Service. The controversial video, shared on X (formerly Twitter), featured South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem with a gun, overlaid with targeting crosshairs, sending shockwaves through the political landscape.

The clip, part of a larger video package, depicted Governor Noem in slow motion with a firearm, initially engaged in target practice.

However, the addition of prominent crosshairs in the edited post by Newsom's team transformed it from a simple political jab into what many deemed a dangerous and irresponsible act. The incident quickly escalated, drawing widespread condemnation from various sectors, including law enforcement and political commentators, who cited the heightened political tensions and the potential for real-world harm.

Following intense backlash and direct notification to the Secret Service, Newsom's press office swiftly moved to edit the video, removing the contentious crosshairs.

Their defense? The office claimed the post was intended as "satire" and "parody," emphasizing that the gun in the original footage was aimed at targets, not Noem herself. Yet, this explanation did little to quell the outrage, as critics argued that in an era of polarized politics and increasing threats against public figures, such imagery, regardless of intent, crosses a line.

Governor Noem herself branded the post as "unhinged," reflecting the serious nature with which the incident was perceived.

Experts pointed to a history of political violence and assassination attempts in the U.S., underscoring the gravity of any perceived threat, even if presented as humor. The Secret Service confirmed it was aware of the post and was conducting a threat assessment, a standard procedure for any communication that might indicate a potential danger to a protected individual.

This contentious episode is set against a backdrop of ongoing political sparring between Newsom and Noem, who often represent opposing ideological viewpoints.

While political rhetoric can frequently be sharp, this particular instance served as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with wielding influence on public platforms, and the fine line between political commentary and potentially inciting violence. The Secret Service investigation continues, leaving many to ponder the implications of such 'satire' in a volatile political climate.