Kansas Republican governor candidate Kris Kobach rode in a parade on a jeep with a large replica gun mounted on it, prompting criticism on social media that the display was inappropriate at a time of school shootings.
The sight of Kobach in the red, white and blue-decorated jeep at the Old Shawnee Days parade Saturday morning stunned some onlookers, the Kansas City Star reported .
Shawnee Community Christian Church pastor Johnny Lewis says there were audible gasps from some people watching the parade.
A spokesman for Kobach, who is Kansas Secretary of State, says the gun was a replica.
The city of Shawnee issued a statement apologizing if the gun made anyone feel unsafe and promising not to allow something similar in future.
Shawnee is a suburb of Kansas City.
Had a blast riding in the Old Shawnee Days Parade in this souped up jeep with a replica gun. Those who want to restrict the right to keep and bear arms are deeply misguided. The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. #ksleg #ksgov #TeamKobach pic.twitter.com/ZULBEYTqUW— Kris W. Kobach (@KrisKobach1787) June 2, 2018
