Beck: Comment on Sandy Hook Facebook Post 'Indefensible'

Board of Education candidate-elect Greg Beck released a statement Wednesday afternoon in response to outcries from community members and officials for him to step down before taking office.

The controversy sprang up Tuesday after Beck posted a pro-gun comment [see above] on a Facebook link to a post asking people for 26 Days of Kindness in days leading up the anniversary of the Dec. 14, 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary.

In his statement, Beck apologizes “unequivocally” to Brookfield and Newtown residents for posting a comment that was “insensitive and completely indefensible."

When asked, Beck also stated that he intends to take the oath of office as scheduled.
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Residents, Board of Education officials and Republican Party leaders call for Beck to step down.
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The full statement is reproduced here:

This Tuesday (11/19/13), I commented on a Facebook post of a friend. At the time of the post, it was not apparent to me that this comment would be seen as an insensitive post. The comments were insensitive and completely indefensible. I acknowledge the damage this has caused and truly had no malicious intentions. Nor were there any attempts on my part to downplay the Sandy Hook Tragedy behind the comment.

It is said that hindsight is 20/20 and looking back, I should never have even conceived of making the comment. For this reason, I unequivocally apologize to the citizens of Brookfield, Newtown and all others whom I have offended or hurt. I am sorry for my mistake and ask for your forgiveness which I hope to earn with time.

I know that learning from mistakes make us better people and I have already learned much from this one. I will try to be much more conscious of my future actions and comments that I will not unintentionally hurt people as I have done. I am truly sorry.

With deepest regret and sincere apology,
Gregory A. Beck