Mass shootings share 'sketchy stories,' B.C. Conservative candidate claims in resurfaced social post
Embattled B.C. Conservative candidate Brent Chapman is under fire once again, this time for past Facebook comments casting doubt on the official accounts of mass shooting events in Canada and the U.S.
The latest resurfaced social media remarks from Chapman, who is running in the Surrey South riding, date back to February 2017, days after the Quebec City mosque shooting that left six people dead and five others seriously injured.
Screenshots shared by CKNW radio host Jas Johal on Sunday show Chapman referring to "mass shootings" in quotation marks, and suggesting all mass shootings reported over recent years share "sketchy stories that change drastically from initial events."
“Why did Aurora, Sandy Hook and Quebec City all have witnesses that saw multiple shooters and are, ultimately, ignored by police and legacy media?” he wrote.
"Look, I really hope no one was actually killed at any of these events but in the Orlando night club shooting, the people that talked to the press were not actually shot.”
In response to the latest Chapman controversy, the B.C. NDP reiterated calls for the B.C. Conservatives to cut ties with the candidate.
"Last night, we learned that John Rustad’s candidate Brent Chapman has denied the reality of horrific mass shootings," leader David Eby said in a statement Monday.
"These tragedies shattered lives… Rustad should have fired this candidate days ago for his openly racist and homophobic comments. He must fire him today."
The B.C. Conservative leader was asked about the latest controversy at an unrelated campaign event Monday, and called Chapman's comments "offensive" and "wrong."
Rustad said it would be "inappropriate" to respond further, however, as the candidate had "retained legal advice." He previously said voters can judge Conservative candidates at the ballot box.
Chapman addressed the backlash over his remarks around a quarter past midnight, acknowledging the mass shootings he referenced in his post – including the one at Sandy Hook Elementary School that killed 26 people, including 20 children – were "all very real."
"What I was trying to say is the whirlwind of U.S. media and commentary makes everything chaotic and confusing to people watching the TV. People’s understanding of what’s going on changes from moment to moment and it’s all just so difficult to understand," he added.
Chapman said he will no longer comment on "this matter or any other matter related to social media posts from years ago,” on the advice of his lawyer.
Chapman has been on the defensive since last week, when Johal shared other years-old screenshots of the candidate making racist remarks about Muslims and Palestinians. He responded with a lengthy apology to voters, in which he stressed that his comments "do not reflect who I am today or the respect and admiration I hold for the Palestinian and Muslim communities."
- Compare platforms from B.C.’s three biggest political parties
- Get important information on casting your ballot in B.C.
- See which candidates are running in your riding
- View live election results beginning at 8 p.m. on voting day
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Lawyers allege foreign interference in high-profile Canadian mafia deportation case
Lawyers for an alleged high-ranking member of the Italian Mafia in Toronto claim evidence is being used against him that is the product of foreign interference by Italian police.
How much are Taylor Swift fans shelling out to attend her Toronto concerts?
Taylor Swift's Toronto era is nearly here. And here's how much fans shelled out to see her perform in the city.
Massage therapist charged with sexual assault, police searching for victims
Edmonton Police Service (EPS) have arrested and charged a 49-year-old man with four counts of sexual assault.
Super giant TVs are flying off store shelves
Televisions that measure 97 inches (and more) diagonally across – a.k.a. XXL TVs – are becoming a huge hit as the cost of giant screens sinks sharply, and viewers look to replace the screens they bought during the peak of the pandemic a few years ago.
Jail guard pleads guilty to breach of trust for smuggling drugs, cigarettes to inmates
The agreed statement of facts was read to the court on Friday in the case of Alex Williams, the 24-year-old jail guard charged last fall with smuggling cannabis and tobacco into Central North Correctional Centre in Penetanguishene.
Minivan and school bus collide in northeast Calgary intersection, causing bus to hit building
Calgary police are investigating a crash between a minivan and a school bus on Friday.
Should Toronto tear up its bike lanes to improve traffic flow? Critics say it's not so simple
A congestion crisis, a traffic nightmare, or unrelenting gridlock -- whatever you call it, most agree that Toronto has a congestion problem. To alleviate some of the gridlock, the Ontario government has announced it plans to remove bike lanes from three major roadways.
Documentary highlights plight of B.C. wildlife with behind-the-scenes look at rehabilitation centre
Scheduled to be released Nov. 13 on YouTube, a new short film brought by Critter Care offers behind-the-scenes access to the Langley-based centre.
The Royal Canadian Legion turns to Amazon for annual poppy campaign boost
The Royal Canadian Legion says a new partnership with e-commerce giant Amazon is helping boost its veterans' fund, and will hopefully expand its donor base in the digital world.