‘Hope He Dies’: RI Dem Blasts Lindsey Graham In Tweet

PROVIDENCE, RI — A leader of the Rhode Island Democratic Party is facing a firestorm following an insensitive tweet about Sen. Lindsey Graham, who announced Monday he tested positive for COVID-19.

In a now-deleted tweet, Kate Coyne McCoy, the chief strategist for the party, asked if "it's wrong to hope he dies from COVID, right? Asking for a friend."

While the tweet was deleted, screenshots were quickly circulated on social media, including by the Rhode Island Republican Party, which was quick to call the statement "disgusting."

"Progressive Democrats have gone too far and it is so important that we put a stop to this senselessness," the party said in an email calling for donations. "We must put a stop to this kind of behavior at the polls."

Chairman Sue Cienki called for McCoy's immediate resignation from the Democratic Party.

"The far left’s hypocrisy demonstrated by Kate Coyne McCoy’s rhetoric represents the unacceptable hate and vitriol spewed routinely by Democrats today," Cienki said. "This sort of double standard and inhumane speech will not be tolerated by voters."

Tuesday morning, McCoy tweeted that she "made a mistake."

"I used poor judgement which I obviously regret," she continued.

Fellow Democrats were quick to call out McCoy's statement as well, including House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, who called the original tweet "offensive" and said "it does not reflect my views or those of the Rhode Island Democratic Party."

"I have spoken to her and she is extremely remorseful, and I’m pleased she apologized," he said.

Gov. Dan McKee said the situation was "very concerning" during his weekly news conference Tuesday afternoon.

"I just heard about it early this morning, and it’s troubling," he said.

When asked if McCoy should resign, McKee said that "people make mistakes, but like I said, it's a serious mistake to make."

Graham said that he was experiencing mild, flu-like symptoms, despite being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

"I am very glad I was vaccinated because without vaccination I am certain I would not feel as well as I do now," Graham said Monday. "My symptoms would be far worse."