Rutherford Country (TN) Sheriff Robert Arnold reported 8 gunshots heard outside his Murfreesboro home Monday night, and on Tuesday morning floated an unusual motive for the gunplay, as The Tennessean’s Mary M Reeves writes :
Arnold said when he first heard the shots, he wondered if they were inspired by the Super Bowl halftime show.
When asked to clarify that comment, he added, “You know, Beyonce’s video.”
In an email Tuesday afternoon to further clarify the sheriff’s Super Bowl statement, Arnold said, “My comments reflect the violence and senseless killing of seven deputies in the U.S. since the show aired. My comments are an observation of the violence that has occurred but in no way is meant to offend anyone.”
The email also included a link to The National Sheriff’s Association’s website with the following information: “The senseless killing of four law enforcement officers just this week — on the heels of the anti-police “entertainment” at the Sunday Super Bowl halftime show — reminds us that the men and women in law enforcement take a solemn oath that includes putting their lives on the line every day to protect our citizens.”