22-year-old college student sparks controversy by showing off gun in graduation photo
Brenna Spencer is ending her college career on a somewhat dramatic note.
To celebrate her upcoming graduation from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the 22-year-old senior posed for a graduation photo shoot promoting two things she loves: President Trump, and guns.
As ABC News reports, Spencer sparked controversy after she tweeted the photo, which shows her wearing a “Women for Trump” T-shirt — purchased, incidentally, at Trump Tower. A handgun is also tucked into the waistline of her skinny white jeans.
I don’t take normal college graduation photos… pic.twitter.com/eI1NvLFYHs
— Brenna Spencer (@BrennaSpencer) April 7, 2018
Her tweet, which already has 70,000 likes, has raised eyebrows from commenters who disagree with her views.
Bad news, this looks ridiculous. Good news, Darwin's Law will probably kick in and you'll shoot a hole thru your reproductive organs rendering you incapable of passing your crazy DNA to another generation.
— Margie in ATX (@Vino_Crochet) April 10, 2018
What’s hilarious is this privileged lil white girl thinks she’s going to be a big hero one day! Unfortunately having A gun in her skinny jeans doesn’t make her tough or brave. She’d pee her pants and and hide in an active shooter situation. Ugh gun culture is so repulsive.
— OochKabooch (@OKabooch) April 10, 2018
Well your shirt pretty much tells me all i need to know about your I.Q. but several years from now you will look back at that one post that changed your life, and not for the better.
— Billy Wiliams (@billy_wiliams2) April 10, 2018
Some gun-rights advocates also expressed concern, citing Spencer’s pose and lack of a holster.
“I’m 100% pro-gun but brandishing a firearm for a photo shoot or showing it off to try and look cool is just stupid,” one commenter argued. “They are tools. Why brag about carrying a gun?”
“Because I’m proud of my Second Amendment right and I want to empower other women!” Spencer responded. “Absolutely they are tools but I will always brag about being able to carry a gun to protect myself, my friends, and my family!”
She explained that she was wearing a concealed-carry belly-band holster and just showing off the gun for the photo. Spencer also clarified that the picture was taken outside the Hunter Museum of Art, which prohibits guns, and that she didn’t enter the building.
I am wearing a belly band, I pulled my gun out further so it could be seen better, for those of you who are so concerned.
— Brenna Spencer (@BrennaSpencer) April 9, 2018
“I did think that it would get a little attention, but not to this degree,” the communications major, who claims to own several handguns, told ABC of the uproar. “It was really, really surprising to see the amount of hate that I got.”
But there’s been plenty of support too.
Brenna Spencer is a true inspiration.
Only if all the ladies understood what she is saying here.
Physique wise men and women are different but a gun as a tool for self defense removes that inequality.#ProEquality #ProGuns https://t.co/MYB9Fx1UBO
— Ashish (@Ak__Ashii) April 9, 2018
This is what REAL feminism looks like. Strong, smart, confident, and armed
Well done Brenna. You are what @TPUSA is all about
Keep fighting https://t.co/1gQIdEsW4C
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) April 9, 2018
I hope my conservative sons find a strong woman just like you! #2A #USA
— djc (@DarDjc) April 8, 2018
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
People are trying to shame Ariel Winter for wearing a short dress to church
Transgender student, 19, wins dress code fight and can wear makeup, heels, and a wig in yearbook photo
Sinclair Media’s local news anchors reportedly have a jewel-tone dress code
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
