A Michigan Senate committee hearing on Nov. 14 erupted into controversy when Avi Rachlin, a self-proclaimed pro-gun activist and member of the far-right group “Groypers for America,” used the N-word during his testimony. Rachlin is alleging the proposed gun ban bills targeted white people and were retaliation for Donald Trump’s supporters.
Here we go…
Fox 2 Detroit reports that the bills, Senate Bills 857 and 858, aim to prohibit firearms in the Michigan Capitol complex, including the Anderson House Office Building and the Binsfeld Senate Office Building, while maintaining exceptions for lawmakers with concealed pistol licenses (CPLs).
Rachlin, testifying before the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, alleging:
“This is legislation that targets white people. It is racial because the people who carry in the Capitol are primarily white… This is retaliation for the only demographic that overwhelmingly voted to support Donald Trump.”
As reported by NewsOne, Rachlin escalated his rhetoric by stating efforts to address gun violence should focus on “13-to-34-year-old Sub-Saharan African ni—rs.”
This. Is. America.
Committee Chair Immediately Shuts Down Testimony
Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), chair of the committee, immediately gaveled Rachlin down, declaring his testimony over. When Rachlin argued, “I’m testifying,” Chang replied, “Yep, and I am the chair, and I have gaveled you down.”
According to the Iowa Capital Dispatch, Republican lawmakers joined in condemning Rachlin’s language.
“The term that you used is inappropriate, and it will not get you anywhere in this legislature,” said Sen. Ruth Johnson (R-Holly).
Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) also pushed back, calling Rachlin’s argument “ridiculous.”
“The idea that this is aimed at white people… I know so many different groups from minority communities that are armed, that carry concealed,” said Runestad.
Rachlin’s History of Extremism
NewsOne states that Rachlin has a history of inflammatory behavior. While attending Penn State University in 2022, over 600 students signed a petition accusing him of being a violent, misogynistic, and homophobic white supremacist. Allegations included physically aggressive behavior, threatening to “shoot up a school,” and using racial slurs online.
Rachlin is affiliated with “Groypers for America,” a group linked to white supremacist Nick Fuentes. Following the hearing, Rachlin continued his offensive behavior, targeting Chang in a social media post saying, “Trump’s Project 2025 will deport you and your parents back to Taiwan.”
Gun Ban Legislation Advances Despite Controversy
The proposed bills seek to codify a 2023 bipartisan decision banning firearms in the Capitol building. After the hearing, the committee voted 4-2 along party lines to send the bills to the full Senate, with Republicans opposing.
In the Iowa Capital Dispatch, Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), who testified in favor of the bills, states her experience during armed protests at the Capitol in 2020.
“It was terrifying as firearms were pointed at us while we tried to do our jobs.”
Anthony criticized the lack of civility during the hearing, suggesting it emboldened individuals like Rachlin. “When you use the N-word as part of your justification for opposing legislation, it’s hurtful. It’s direct,” said Anthony.
IT’S UNPROFESSIONAL AND HATEFUL. GET HIM OUT OF THERE.
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes condemned Rachlin’s comments in a statement cited by the Capital Dispatch:
“The vile language used today was unacceptable… Bigotry and hatred have no place in our legislature or political discourse.”
Anthony expressed hope that such behavior would not become normalized in political spaces.
“I want to focus on balancing the state’s budget, not worrying about bullets flying in this building,” said Anthony.
This incident is just one example of the divisive nature and political discourse in Trump’s future America.
You call this, great?
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