Newsmax Host Greg Kelly Draws Backlash for Calling Nazario 'Bad Lieutenant' With 'Loaded Gun'

Newsmax host Greg Kelly has sparked outrage for calling a Black and Hispanic Army medic who was pepper-sprayed at a traffic stop in Windsor, Virginia the "Bad Lieutenant."

In December 2020, Windsor cops Daniel Crocker and Joe Gutierrez pulled out Caron Nazario, a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, and drew their guns before using pepper spray and knocking him to the ground. Footage of the incident was shared online Friday, prompting widespread criticism.

In a tweeted shared Sunday evening, Kelly wrote, "One more little 'tidbit'—the Bad Lieutenant Nazario had a loaded GUN on the floor of the car. In the front seat. By his Leg. Something the CORRUPT folks in the Media won't say for some 'reason.'"

Kelly's remarks quickly drew criticism online from users from both sides of the political aisle.

Republican strategist Shermichael Singleton tweeted, "The Second Amendment exists fo reason, he has EVERY right to keep and bear arms. Do we know if he had a concealed carry license? Also, even if he doesn't, in the state of Virginia you can legally have a handgun in a private motor vehicle."

"You're bad at this. By 'this,' I mean: Explaining away your racism. Justifying discrimination. Offering a consistent gun defense. Being human. Your poor parents..." wrote John Pavlovitz, a pastor and political author.

Actor James Morrison tweeted, "Remind us, are you denying him his 2nd Amendment rights because this was why he was pulled over? Or because this was why his 4th Amendment rights were violated? Or because this why his First Amendment rights were violated? Or are you just doing it because he's black?"

"As a Marine you're a f***ing embarrassment. Having loaded weapons is your right as a human, and is about the most American threat posture one can adopt. Stop being a propagandist for the murder cult," wrote Shane Hazel, a Libertarian who ran in Georgia for the U.S. Senate last year.

Artist and activist Rob Sheridan tweeted," Conservatives: The Second Amendment is sacred! Everyone has a right to protect themselves! Black man: *exercises his second amendment rights* Conservatives: not like that."

Newsweek reached out to Newsmax for comment.

On Sunday evening, the Town of Windsor announced that Gutierrez had been "terminated from his employment." He was the officer seen in the viral video using pepper spray on Nazario.

"As a result of the use of force, Department policy requires an internal investigation to determine the appropriateness of such actions," the statement read. "At the conclusion of this investigation, it was determined that Windsor Police Department policy was not followed."

The town added: "This resulted in disciplinary action, and department-wide requirements for additional training were implemented beginning in January and continue to the present. Since that time, Officer Gutierrez was also terminated from his employment."