Two Missouri Republican lawmakers are accusing the opposition of spreading a false narrative after sharing a video of them using a flamethrower.
Video, which has been viewed millions of times on X, shows State Senator Bill Eagle and State Senator Nick Schroer firing flamethrowers and burning cardboard boxes. The video was shared by a self-proclaimed progressive organizer, who said the pair were participating in a book burning.
Egel, a 2024 Missouri gubernatorial candidate, said no books were burned at the demonstration.
“In the video, I’m carrying a flame thrower into a cardboard box that represents what I’m going to do to the leftist policies and RINO corruption of the Jeff City swamp,” Egel said.
The Republican said he is not opposed to burning books he feels are not suitable for children.
He said, “You will bring those obscene pornographic books into Missouri schools to brainwash our children, and I will burn them, too – on the front lawn of the governor’s mansion.”
Schroer accused the leftist activist of smearing him and Egel to score political points.
“You may be entitled to your feelings and opinions but not to your facts,” Schroer said. “Many Democrats say there is no room for hatred and intolerance, which I can completely get behind. Yet this is a bitter pill they fail to take themselves. Your fear and division will not work. “
The video in question has not been removed from However, there is now a note attached to it, stating that they were burning cardboard boxes.