Sen. Tommy Tuberville reported former CIA director Michael Hayden to Capitol Police after the ex-spy chief suggested on social media that Tuberville should be “removed” from “the human race.”
A popular self-identified Democrat named Nathalie Jacoby posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, referencing Tuberville’s (R-AL) Senate hold on military promotions, asking, “Should Tommy Tuberville be removed from his committee?”
Hayden, who headed the CIA from 2006 to 2009, replied, “How about the human race?”
Tuberville’s office subsequently released a statement accusing Hayden of threatening the senator and demanding authorities bring charges against him.
“This morning my office was made aware of a statement made by General Michael Hayden calling for a politically motivated assassination. This statement is disgusting and it is repugnant to everything we believe in as Americans,” Hayden said.
“If we still have a nonpolitical justice system in this country, then General Hayden will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. My office has reported this incident to the Capitol Police, and I expect that they will once again do an excellent job protecting members of Congress and bringing criminals to justice,” he said.
Hayden’s comment caught the attention of political commentators who appeared to agree with Tuberville’s interpretation of the remark.
Mollie Hemingway, the editor-in-chief of the Federalist, posted on X, “Former CIA Director Michael Hayden calls for the assassination of Sen. Tuberville because the senator is performing desperately needed oversight of the U.S. Military. Hayden, a renowned civil liberties violator, promoted the Biden laptop coverup and the Russia collusion scam.”
Michael Flynn, who served as national security advisor to former President Donald Trump, called for Hayden to be “immediately arrested.”
Other people on social media came to Hayden’s defense by seconding his condemnation of Tuberville.
Suzy Hager replied to Hayden’s post, writing, “As far as I’m concerned General, [Tuberville is] aiding and abetting our enemies. He’s squandering the investment the American people have made to ensure the USA has the greatest military might in the world.”
Another social media user named Jack Hopkins commented on Hayden’s post approvingly.
“Hmmm … removing Tommy Tuberville from the human race. I think Gen. Hayden might be on to something,” he posted.
Hayden has since taken to X to clarify his comment.
“I was surprised to wake up this morning and discover that many MAGAnuts had lost their minds over my suggestion that ‘Coach’ Tuberville not be considered a member of the human race. I stand by that view. I’m wishing you all a nice day, even the intransigent Tommy Tuberville,” Hayden wrote.
