Nationally syndicated conservative radio host Dana Loesch was not impressed to learn that CNN received an award for the network’s town hall after the Parkland shooting.
CNN announced the news Tuesday, cheering the event’s host, Jake Tapper, for receiving the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Television Political Journalism.
Congrats to @jaketapper and everyone at CNN who helped put together the Parkland Town Hall for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas students, families and community, today honored with a Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Television Political Journalism https://t.co/RQ1cK8LiW7
— The Lead CNN (@TheLeadCNN) March 19, 2019
At first, Loesch was just taken aback.
Is this a joke? Seriously. https://t.co/Hj7yVCZlhf
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) March 19, 2019
But then she shared a series of videos, all showing what happened during the town hall when the cameras were off.
Here is some footage where people were yelling to burn me at CNN’s award-winning townhall where they “advanced the conversation on gun control.” pic.twitter.com/EYWWj8KcxN
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) March 19, 2019
More from @CNNPR @CronkiteAward winning townhall wherein they did so much to advance the conversation on gun control pic.twitter.com/d1svHRHAuJ
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) March 19, 2019
Loesch then argued that the entire event was essentially a setup, designed to allow the students and the crowd-free rein to attack her.
When the producers cued me to walk into the arena it was to the Black Eyed Peas’ song “Let’s Get It Started.” I am completely serious. I was shocked and confused — while I knew I was taking questions, we were only told that day that I would actually be on stage.
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) March 19, 2019
And Loesch was not the only person who shared that assessment of the situation. (RELATED: CNN Crowd Boos Pro-2A Rape Survivor)
For a sense of how chaotic this “town hall” event was, here’s the moment the crowd booed @DLoesch after she mentioned a rape survivor, Kimberly Corban, who says a gun could have prevented the assault against her. pic.twitter.com/ouGFHhxniw
— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) March 19, 2019
She also stated that, as she tried to leave, she was physically assaulted — and asked CNN to release any potential footage of the incident.
I showed up in good faith for genuine conversation knowing that at best, it would be a tough event. The lengths @CNNPR went to inflame emotions & exploit pain to *put on a show* is inexcusable, shameful, & it’s grotesque they’re celebrating getting an “award” for their conduct.
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) March 19, 2019
Loesch concluded by calling the award a “sham,” and saying that any network truly interested in advancing the conversation would refuse such an acknowledgment — unless, of course, it was shared with her, since her claims about the failures of first responders at the scene were later backed up by the full reports and video evidence.
Those with integrity would reject this absolute sham of an award. But, narratives and ratings. Congrats on the “show,” CNN. Applause, applause.
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) March 19, 2019
Curious — where is my share of the award? You needed a villain to abuse and I was the only one on the stage relating the facts later cited as the exact reasons why the sheriff you exalted was removed from his job. Let me know when I can expect an on-air invite for acknowledgment https://t.co/SddzKDjxR5
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) March 19, 2019
But it didn’t end there, because according to Loesch, Tapper responded to her tirade by unfollowing her.
I’m not sorry that I was more prepared than you and your network to call out the failures of Scott Israel while CNN celebrated his failures that led to this awfulness.
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) March 19, 2019
Even afterwards I was cordial and kind to Jake. I appreciated the situation in which he was put. But if he can’t handle my legitimate and deserved criticism of his network’s behavior, well, then go be a company man. That’s a real shame.
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) March 19, 2019