Sen. Brian Schatz tweeted – and then deleted – comments about the use of “chemical weapons” against Central American migrants, admitting he didn’t “know enough about what happened.”
The Hawaii Democrat fired off a tweet Sunday accusing the U.S. Border Patrol of using chemical weapons against illegal immigrants who attempted to rush the San Ysidro border crossing between Tijuana, Mexico, and California.

“Tear gas across the border against unarmed families is a new low,” Schatz initially tweeted, responding to reports that U.S. agents shot rounds of tear gas after rock-throwing migrants attempted to cross the border illegally, climbing fences and pushing through gaps in wire, Fox News reported.
Tear gas across the border against unarmed families is a new low.
— Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) November 25, 2018
Within the hour, the Democratic senator tweeted: “Who gave the order? Did it implement or contravene policy?”
Who gave the order?
— Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) November 25, 2018
Did it implement or contravene policy?
— Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) November 25, 2018
He followed up with tweet in all caps.
WHO GAVE THE ORDER?
— Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) November 25, 2018
Another tweet suggested that the use of tear gas on the violent group may have violated a ban on the use of “chemical weapons.”
— hello (@_freespeechman) November 25, 2018
Schatz ended up deleting the tweet after a few minutes but soon followed up with another, stating: “Anyone uncomfortable with spraying tear gas on children is welcome to join the coalition of the moral and the sane. We can argue about other stuff when we’ve got our country back.”
Anyone uncomfortable with spraying tear gas on children is welcome to join the coalition of the moral and the sane. We can argue about other stuff when we’ve got our country back.
— Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) November 25, 2018
Political commentator and writer Stephen Miller triggered a response from Schatz after reacting to his tweets online.
Democrat Senator now claiming US border patrol used chemical weapons at border. This is an issue you can see they are very serious about. https://t.co/SYCC7ftQrz
— Stephen Miller (@redsteeze) November 25, 2018
Democrats: We don’t want open borders.
Also Democrats: The United States is using chemical weapons on people attempting to storm the US border illegally.— Stephen Miller (@redsteeze) November 25, 2018
Schatz replied that “I went ahead and deleted the one about chemical weapons because I just don’t know enough about what happened.”
I went ahead and deleted the one about chemical weapons because I just don’t know enough about what happened. Does this not strike you as excessive?
— Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) November 25, 2018
Miller continued the debate with the former Hawaii state representative and lieutenant governor.
And I’ll say it again. No, border patrol agents who are being hit with rocks launching non lethal counter defense measures is not excessive. https://t.co/1jCnezyuK4
— Stephen Miller (@redsteeze) November 25, 2018
Well Brian, when border agents are being hit with projectiles made out of concrete and granite, they have authority to defend and protect themselves. You’re a United States congressman going full caps on twitter instead of knowing things like this. https://t.co/ZIan1DxyVU
— Stephen Miller (@redsteeze) November 25, 2018
You don’t know enough about what happened, and yet here you are, a United States Senator on Twitter going all caps. Maybe take the rest of your Sunday off. https://t.co/KxTzSfrYXs
— Stephen Miller (@redsteeze) November 25, 2018
Miller was not the only one to call out Schatz as he was torched on Twitter for his remarks.
Once again, Liberals can’t get out of their own way. They hate the term “Fake News” but live creating it. https://t.co/RxWesCOB3h
— Catawba County GOP (@CatawbaNCGOP) November 26, 2018
Senator Brian Schatz (D)Hawaii do you live in the fog? We are under attack at our borders by criminals and people entering our country illegally. Chemical weapons you must be joking! Get an education #SecureOurBorders #SecureOurStreets
— Garry M (@gmueler) November 26, 2018
Putting tear gas in the same category as mustard gas? Yeah, I’d say that’s excessive.
— Tyler Amick (@MickTy96) November 25, 2018
Let’s clear. That was illegals trying to enter our country unlawfully. There is a legal process to enter. If you chose not to there are consequences. This is not a new low. This is appropriate behavior
— Joe Tillar (@bngl44) November 26, 2018
Many called on the Hawaii Democrat to look in the mirror.
It was said and shows your ignorance on the issue. I hear from those who visit Hawaii there are homeless everywhere. What’s another 5,000 to the Hawaiian population? You sound inviting to me.
— JNEAL209 (@jneal209) November 26, 2018
This is what represents Hawaii in the Senate. .. gheeez! https://t.co/OVj9pwWMsp
— Cheryl (@CherylDegler) November 26, 2018
@brianschatz what a dummy, sending stupid tweets from his safe haven in Hawaii. https://t.co/2XROYYPNKt
— The Closer (@BringInTheLefty) November 26, 2018
Hey @brianschatz why don’t you concentrate on fixing the homeless problem you have in your state instead of tweeting lies of border patrol agents using chemical weapons. Put your phone down help your own constituents. pic.twitter.com/m9DSG0tA1Y
— Dustin (@Dustinksu) November 26, 2018
And further tweets from Schatz seemed just seemed to seal the deal about the senator for many on Twitter.
A basic ground rule of American leadership ought to be to try to hold the children harmless.
— Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) November 26, 2018
This dude just won’t quit. Lol. He just adjusts his tweets until he gets some support. Gotta admire the perseverance, even if his bleeding heart is blocking the common sense.
— Bobby B. (@barker0522) November 26, 2018
Border incursion! RT: You don’t know enough about what happened, and yet here you are, a United States Senator on Twitter going all caps. Maybe take the rest of your Sunday off. https://t.co/5zBIcBEofR
— Walk Toward The Fire (@RichardRSmithJr) November 26, 2018
Obviously stupidity is a prerequisite to be an Hawaiian senator.
— alan pack (@alanpack4) November 25, 2018
Very disconcerting to know we have US senators who could care less about the safety of US citizens. Who would willingly allow a throng of rock-throwing invaders cross our borders into our cities. Scary.
Taking to you, @brianschatz.— Clowns All Around ????? Me (@AllyGeighter) November 26, 2018
He deleted the tweet. I think he noticed how stupid it made him look
— John (@jvega620) November 25, 2018
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