David Attenborough targeted by sick Donald Trump supporters who want to ‘shoot him in the head’
TELLY legend Sir David Attenborough has become the subject of sick death threats from Donald Trump supporters after he suggested the US president elect should be shot.
US supporters of the controversial businessman have targeted the 90-year-old Planet Earth favourite, who has been made aware of the intimidating calls for violent retribution.
It came after Sir David was asked how he would feel about America electing Trump following his anti-climate change views.
He replied: “We could shoot him. It’s not a bad idea...”
In the US, threatening to kill the country’s leader can result in up to five years in prison and a £200,000 fine.
Sir David could find entry to the US barred if the Homeland Security authorities, not noted for their sense of irony, have logged his comments.
As Donald does not take over Barack Obama as President until January 2017, any punishment is unlikely to be as severe.
But his remark – which he now insists was a joke – infuriated fanatical Trump fans who have made him a target of hate on social media.
One Trump supporter (Keith Westbrook) wrote on Twitter: “HOW ABOUT WE PUT 2 IN THE BACK OF YOUR HEAD?”
Another (@rkf1215) tweeted: “What a sick left wing loon, kill him!!!”
One (Jordan Graham) took things further and wrote: “David Attenborough said he wants to shoot Donald trump... Its pretty much decided he is gonna die then”.
One user (@Von—WR) wrote: “Lock up this crook. Incitement to murder”.
Another (Mary Fass) added: “POLICE, ARREST THIS man.”
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While another (Abraham Whipple) asked: “How about banning #Attenborough from entering the USA?”
Group UK Separatists re-tweeted the ITV News report about Sir David’s comments and wrote: “Sir David Attenborough tells BBC- Trump- “We could shoot him. It’s not a bad idea”. It’ll be Fed Offence after Jan. So much for “Liberals”.”
One US resident – Napier Sandford Fuller – from North Carolina has reported the matter to the US Embassy in London and the US Secret service.
Sir David was speaking to BBC Newsnight host Emily Maitlis in an interview with the Radio Times this week when he made the remark regarding Trump.
On Monday he was pictured giggling with The Queen during a reception for her QCC conservation project at Buckingham Palace.
It comes as his new nature show Planet Earth II continues to prove a huge ratings hit, pulling in 10.9million viewers on Sunday.
Responding to the death threats, David said last night he did not intend anyone to take his words seriously.
He explained: “It was a jocular remark.”
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Earlier this year Sir David issued a stark warning to the public to take action against climate change for the sake of humanity.
Donald Trump previously described climate change as a hoax “created by and for the Chinese”.
Telly fans were also shocked by Sir David’s comments about the President Elect.
One (Tiffany Sparkles) said: “Shocking that David Attenborough, such a respected man, would engage in dangerous incitement to ‘shoot #Trump’ Boycotting #planetearth2”.
Another (Freedom Advocate) tweeted the BBC: “@BBC #planetearth2 Boycotting the show after #Attenborough’s call for murder. Reprehensible behaviour.”
User @OneMinPsychic wrote: “This ocmment-worthy of a visit FBI/CIA”.