Kapler, Giants' baseball coach, plans to protest U.S. gun violence in the anthem

Gabe Kapler, San Francisco Giants' coach, said that he won't be on the field to play the national anthem in protest at the U.S. government's inaction regarding gun violence following a Texas school shooting.

Kapler, Giants' baseball coach, plans to protest U.S. gun violence in the anthem

Gabe Kapler, San Francisco Giants' coach, said that he won't be on the field to play the national anthem in protest at the U.S. government's inaction regarding gun violence following a Texas school shooting.

An 18-year old gunman used an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle that he legally purchased to kill nineteen children and two teachers at Uvalde Elementary School in Texas on Tuesday.

Kapler said in a blog post that Friday, "We don't have the freedom when politicians decide that lobbyists and gun industries are more important then our children's liberty to go to school without having to use bulletproof backpacks or active shooter drills."

He also criticised the response of the police to the Texas attack.

Like other pro-sports teams, the Giants held a moment silence for the victims the day following the shooting before playing the national anthem.

Kapler stated that he thought about dropping to one knee or leaving the field when the music started but instead froze. He was worried that it would be misinterpreted and made a mistake later.

"I wish that I didn't allow my discomfort to compromise my integrity. I wish I could have shown my dad that protesting your country's injustices is a way to express dissatisfaction. This should be encouraged by the home of brave.

On Friday, the Giants will take on Cincinnati's Reds.

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