Sean Hannity's Response to Maine Mass Shooting Sparks Disbelief

Fox News host Sean Hannity has said he has a "personal security plan" in the event he finds himself in a mass shooting.

His comments come after at least 16 people were gunned down in Maine on Wednesday evening, with police searching for a person of interest. Robert Card is being hunted by hundreds of police officers on the streets of Lewiston, where people were gunned down at a restaurant and a separate bowling alley.

Speaking on his Fox News show with Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley about the shooting, Hannity suggested people have a "personal security plan" to prepare for being involved in a shooting.

He said: "When something like this happens, what is your plan? What do you do? I have a personal security plan. I train in mixed martial arts."

Hannity also said he was a "big believer in the Second Amendment" but his belief came "with the prayer that I would never have to use it."

His comments have drawn ire and been mocked on social media by the public and politicians.

Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Illinois Rep. Sean Casten wrote: "There is something so dysfunctional about saying 'We could live in communities where you don't have to worry about getting shot, but I'd prefer to keep the guns and fight my way out.' You're not Josey Wales. You're just a rich dude with a Fox News gig," adding Hannity should "to thine own self be true."

X user Brian Tyler posted: "Republicans' new plan to stop mass shootings: Karate chop the AR-15s."

Another, Dr. Amaya Deakins wrote: "Yes, he trains to block bullets with his body," followed by a series of laughing emojis. Russell Drew posted in response to the clip: "This is an interesting new argument from Republicans who are against gun safety: The only thing that can fight bad people with guns are good people who know MMA."

During the interview, Haley called for "serious law and order" in response to the shooting, as well as the defunding of so-called sanctuary cities and to acknowledge "the cancer in America that is mental health."

The shooting in Lewiston, Maine's second-largest city, started shortly before 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Police first received calls about a shooter at a bowling alley. A short time later, another shooting was reported at a nearby bar and grill restaurant.

Police are seeking one person, Robert Card, in connection with the incident. Card is a trained firearms instructor and is believed to be in the army reserve, stationed in Saco, Maine, according to a release made by police on Wednesday evening. The Associated Press has reported that Card spent two weeks in a mental health facility over the summer.

Police released an image of Card on Facebook, saying he should be considered "armed and dangerous" and that members of the public should not attempt to approach or make contact with him. Residents of Lewiston and nearby Lisbon have been told to stay "inside your home with the doors locked" and shelter in place while police search for Card.

Newsweek has contacted Fox News via email for comment.