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Who is Brian Mast? CNN's Jake Tapper called 'disgusting' for questioning double amputee Army veteran's patriotism

'Congressman Brian Mast... who lost his legs, by the way, fighting for democracy abroad, although I don't know — about his commitment to it here in the United States,' Tapper said

CNN host Jake Tapper was slammed on Twitter on Wednesday, January 13, after he questioned the patriotism of Rep Brian Mast (R-FL), an Army veteran and double amputee, after he opposed the Democrats' efforts to impeach President Donald Trump for a second time on the House floor. 

An awkward silence filled the House of Representatives chamber when Mast took to the lectern asking if any of the mob of pro-Trump rioters who stormed the US Capitol had been asked if they did so at the behest of the president. “I rise with a very simple question. On January 6, thousands broke the law by taking siege of our Capitol here with us inside,” Mast began. “Has any one of those individuals who brought violence on this Capitol been brought here to answer whether they did that because of our president?"

According to the New York Post, 27 seconds of awkward silence followed as Mast, donning a face mask, stared ahead. After the prolonged period of silence, he said, “It appears I will receive no answer.” Mast's question was pulled up by Tapper during one of the network's segments, where the news anchor said, "Congressman Brian Mast... who lost his legs, by the way, fighting for democracy abroad, although I don't know — about his commitment to it here in the United States." 

After a clip of the segment went viral, Tapper received considerable backlash on social media, including Mast himself, who tweeted, "I lost two legs for @jaketapper's right to say whatever the hell he wants, but that free speech also protects the Republicans he is so eager to condemn for asking Constitutional questions about the election."

As Trump supporters and a number of GOP members urged Tapper to apologize, he seemed to double down on his comments. "You’re a hero for your service and I’m grateful, as I’ve said before. And yes i question the commitment to democracy of anyone who spread election lies, signed onto that deranged TX AG lawsuit, and voted to commit sedition. You were not just asking questions," he replied to Mast's tweet. 

Who is Brian Mast?

Mast served as the US Representative for Florida's 18th congressional district since 2017. During Operation Enduring Freedom, Mast lost both of his legs while serving as an explosive ordnance disposal technician in the US Army in 2010 when he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan. 

His website said, "Serving my country is all I ever really wanted to do. It runs in my blood from my father to my uncles. My wife Brianna and I pray that one day our children will find the same passion. I am humbled and honored to fight for you as your Congressman from Florida’s 18th congressional district. I strive to serve you in Congress as I did on the battlefield: without regard for personal gain or personal sacrifice."

Tapper's comments on the show received an array of criticisms. "If a Fox News anchor had said anything even remotely similar about Tammy Duckworth as what Jake Tapper said about Brian Mast, everyone would be demanding his resignation. I guess we're at the point where questioning disabled veterans' loyalty is simply par for the course," one of them said while another wrote, "Jake Tapper owes Brian Mast an apology. So disgusting, but so predictable coming from a CNN journalist."

A third noted, "Jake Tapper loves the pro-veteran shtick when it can benefit him. He let the mask slip with Brian Mast." One more remarked, "That explains how Congressman Brian Mast lost his legs, but can someone explain how Jake Tapper lost his spine?" The next remarked, "Jake Tapper, who are you to question Brian Mast’s commitment to our country? What sacrifices have you made for America? Brian Mast is a distinguished veteran who sacrificed his flesh and blood for us. You can question his decision here, but not his commitment to our country." A commenter tweeted, "Well, Brian Mast didn't make the sacrifices tapper made. He didn't show tapper-like courage. He made real sacrifices. He showed real courage. tapper isn't fit to polish Brian Mast's crutches."