Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Matt Carriker, a well-known Texas-based YouTuber, addressed recent events involving President Trump’s would-be assassin wearing merchandise from his channel, DemolitionRanch.
Carriker, who also runs OffTheRanch, a vlog channel, and VetRanch, a veterinary-centered channel, made a public statement to his viewers.
“Before I go any further, to the family of the victim who died during the Trump shooting, I am so sorry for your loss. It’s terrible, and I hate that it happened to him and to you guys. Wishing you guys the best from here. It’s the worst,” said Carriker.
“For those who were injured in the shooting as well, wishing you guys a speedy recovery and praying for a pain-free recovery for you both physically and mentally. I can’t imagine,” he continued.
He expressed his shock and confusion upon learning that the shooter attempted to assassinate President Trump while wearing a Demolition Ranch t-shirt.
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“Across all my videos, we really don’t talk about politics at all. We keep politics out of it because, for one, it’s not my bread and butter, and also I don’t feel the need to impose my political views and beliefs on other people,” Carriker emphasized, clarifying that his channels avoid political discussions.
He stressed his commitment to creating a safe and positive environment for his audience.
Reflecting on the incident, Carriker said, “I think the difference between a gunman wearing a pair of Nike shoes and a gunman wearing my t-shirt is that this brand is much more personal to me than Nike is to its executives. So to see my name next to the shooter’s name—it sucks. I wish we could keep that from happening.”
He pointed out that, like major brands, they cannot vet every customer, and the shooter bought the shirt online.
“This channel is not about violence, and it never will be,” Carriker reassured his 11 million subscribers, emphasizing his desire for a safe environment for his family and viewers.
He addressed newcomers who might question his intentions.
“I have news articles calling me, asking for interviews, asking what I know about the shooter, asking if I’ve ever had any communication with the shooter, if I’ve ever met him. No, he bought a shirt online and unfortunately wore it that day,” he said.
He concluded by thanking his supporters, saying, “Let’s move forward. Thank you guys for listening, thanks for watching, and most of all, thanks for the support. I love you, and I’ll see you next time.”
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Instead of uttering what sounded like insincere sounds words, he should have just donated a portion of his profits to a charity of the victim’s choice. Actions always work better than words.
His words didn’t sound “insincere” to me. As a matter of fact, quite the contrary. You’re right, actions always work better than words. And taking the time to make that video and post it shows he truly cares. He could have stuck his head in the sand and just ignored all the naysayers, like you. Shame on you …
So what….. It’s a t-shirt. Has a whole lot of nothing to do with a bunch of nothing. Running low on content to publish?
Matt – I don’t know you but obviously you’re a class act. Anyone with half a brain should know you are not involved in this in ANY way, shape, or form just because this wackadoo was wearing one of your tee shirts.
Don’t fret over the rhetoric, hate filled, anti-2nd amendment CNN’s and MSNBC’s of the world.
My thoughts exactly. Why the f am I reading this article? Wow.