Ohio Democrat candidate for Senate Tim Ryan’s filmed visit to a gun range landed him in the crosshairs of fellow Twitter users after he posted video of the outing to his account Thursday.
The 15-second campaign ad, which garnered more than 500,000 views, shows Ryan firing at targets at close range with one camera angle capturing a shell as it falls to the ground. The video concludes with Ryan declaring, “Not bad for a Democrat.” (RELATED: ‘You’re A Liar!’: Audience Boos Tim Ryan For Claiming J6 Rioters Killed A Police Officer)
Ohio Republican challenger for Senate J.D. Vance was quick to take aim at Ryan’s form, responding to a re-tweeted still shot from Ryan’s video. “I’m sorry but this is awful form,” Vance said. “This is how a person who has never shot a gun before stands. He’s leaning away so hard I’m surprised he didn’t strain his back.”
I’m sorry but this is awful form. This is how a person who has never shot a gun before stands. He’s leaning away so hard I’m surprised he didn’t strain his back. https://t.co/lBSmFZjDBc
— J.D. Vance (@JDVance1) November 5, 2022
The National Rifle Association (NRA) chimed in with their own analysis of Ryan’s shooting stance. “Symptoms: Awful grip, stance, & grouping,” the gun rights advocacy group tweeted. “Diagnosis: Likely never shot a gun before,” the tweet continued.
Ryan’s campaign ad even earned him an invitation from one Twitter user to “learn some basic form and gun safety.” Leaning back like that is dangerous, and points to you being scared of the gun,” said Ross Schumann.
Yet another user suggested it was the first time Ryan had fired a gun, posting a picture of his gun-wielding 8-year-old who “had better form.”
Democratic candidate Tim Ryan’s campaign boasts the slogan, “Ohio needs an ass-kicker, not an ass-kisser,” according to Politico. Ryan has sought to center his campaign on identifying with working-class Ohioans.