Facebook removes 'RINO hunting' Senate campaign video from Missouri candidate Greitens

The video depicts the former Navy SEAL and governor entering a house with a rifle to hunt 'Republicans in Name Only.'

Published: June 21, 2022 7:58am

Updated: June 21, 2022 9:16am

Facebook has removed a campaign video from Missouri GOP Senate candidate Eric Greitens, citing the violation of the platform's rules against violence.

In the video, the retired Navy SEAL and former Missouri governor is shown holding a rifle and telling the camera that he's going "RINO" hunting – which means searching for Republicans in Name Only.

Greitens is followed by an armed tactical unit into a house as he says, "The RINO feeds on corruption and is marked by the stripes of cowardice." He then invites the audience to "Join the MAGA crew" and acquire a "RINO hunting permit."

He also says: "There's no bagging limit, no tagging limit, and it doesn't expire until we save our country."

The Greitens campaign is selling "RINO hunting permit" stickers to supporters for $25 a piece.

While Twitter allowed the ad to remain on its platform, it restricted the "like," "reply" and share functions on the tweet. The clip "violated the Twitter Rules about abusive behavior," the platform said. "However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public's interest for the Tweet to remain accessible."

Facebook removed the ad entirely, saying it violated policies "prohibiting violence and incitement."

According to the Kansas City Star, the GOP floor leader of the Missouri state Senate said he called law enforcement about the ads.

"We have been in contact with the Missouri Highway Patrol and hope that former Gov. Greitens finds the help he needs," tweeted Senate Majority Leader Caleb Rowden, a Republican.

Greitens, who formerly hosted a show on Real America's Voice associated with the Just the News parent company, is running in the open primary to become the state's next senator. The primary to replace retiring GOP Sen. Roy Blunt will be held Aug. 2.

Greitens has maintained a competitive lead in the polls, though his numbers recently took a tumble following a number of revelations stemming from an ongoing and messy child custody dispute with his ex-wife. He continues to seek an endorsement from former President Trump.