Host and reporter Lawrence Jones, who’s been a staple on Fox News since 2018, triggered criticism by the general public.
Namely, Jones posted photos of himself alongside U.S. Border Protection agents wearing a bulletproof vest. “Coming up on Fox News live from the border,” he captioned the post.
What he probably didn’t expect was the avalanche of comments mocking him and asking him to be fired.
According to many, wearing a bulletproof west while standing on US soil and pretending to be at a war zone is unprofessional and unacceptable.
“Does ‘live from the border’ mean Party City?” Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, a congresswoman from New York, commented on Jones’ post.
“Fox is really out here doing the most on a budget to make the border look more dangerous than it is,” she added.
Jacob Soboroff, a correspondent for MSNBC, dubbed Jones’ decision to wear a vest “totally ridiculous”.
“I have never once worn a bulletproof vest at the border, nor has [US Customs and Border Protection] ever asked me to – even while on a chase with Border Patrol to apprehend migrants in remote Arizona desert in the middle of the night,” he said.
“Because. The. Border. Is. Not. A. War. Zone.”
The Libertarian political commentator tried to defend himself saying that it was the agents who told him to put the vest on, just to make sure he stays safe.
There were also those who mocked the size of the vest, with writer Jessica Luther asking, ”what is this? A vest for ants?”
NBC News producer and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Mac William Bishop remarked, “I’ve previously criticized journos for playing dress-up in PPE. Last time it was someone who worked for MSNBC. This time it’s someone who works for Fox. Being a poseur with no respect for journalistic integrity and lacking common sense about how PPE works is a non-partisan flaw.”
Besides being criticized for the photos he shared, Jones also faced backlash for adding to Fox News’ portrayal of unrest, danger, and calls for stronger security.
“Need a good laugh? Check this out. Lawrence thinks he’s going to a war zone. Is this going to boost your speaking fees, Lawrence? Game recognizes game. #AllAboutTheBenjamins,” journalist Roland Martin tweeted, to which Jones responded, “border patrol made me wear it.” Martin further remarked, “Easy: You. Who would I trust regarding border issues: you or Republican @HurdOnTheHill, a former CIA operative whose district is affected? You’re just there for show. But go ahead and play TV. Carry on, Lawrence.”
Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.
