Missouri lawmakers speak out against Senate candidate Eric Greitens’ campaign video

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A video from Missouri Republican U.S. Senate candidate Eric Greitens has sparked controversy across the nation Monday. 

The video was posted by the Greitens' campaign and shows him brandishing a shotgun, declaring he's hunting "RINOS" or "Republicans In Name Only."

Facebook has removed the video, saying it violates policies prohibiting violence and incitement. Twitter also said the video violated its rules about abusive behavior but is opting to leave it up saying it was in "the public interest" to leave it viewable. 

The video has over 30,000 views on YouTube and has shaken lawmakers across the state.

Republican Missouri Senate Majority Leader, Caleb Rowden Tweeted he's in contact with the highway patrol, because of an account using the ad to label him as a target.

Democratic U.S. Senate Candidate Trudy Busch Valentine said she condemns Greitens' actions.

The term "RINO" refers to Republican politicians who allegedly govern more moderately. 

The former Governor resigned in 2018 and is currently facing allegations of physically abusing his ex-wife and children.

Greitens posted a similar ad of him with a gun in 2016 and was elected governor shortly after.

The video comes at a time focused on violence with several mass shootings and threats against government officials.

U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler said the only RINO is Greitens himself.

Greitens is a leading contender and one of the top candidates in the Missouri Gop Senate race ahead of the August 2 primary election.