Gov. Katie Hobbs' spokesperson resigns following controversial Twitter post invoking gun violence
Yup that's me....
I’m writing this to own my mistakes, reflect deeply, and share how I’ve grown. I’m Josselyn Berry. A few years ago I posted a tweet that featured a meme with guns and the caption “Us when we see transphobes.”
At the time, I thought I was pushing back hard — I believed I was defending my values, standing firmly against hate and intolerance. But I now recognize that my post was hurtful, misjudged, and ultimately irresponsible. I failed to consider how much the timing — just hours after a tragic mass shooting that claimed innocent lives, including children — amplified the pain and the gravity of what I said.
When I saw how many people were hurt and outraged — including those I never meant to offend — I realized that advocacy doesn’t justify a call to violence, even rhetorically. I resigned from my role as press secretary to Katie Hobbs because I understood that leadership requires more than conviction: it demands responsibility, thoughtfulness, and empathy. The statement from the governor’s office said clearly that “the post … is not reflective of the values of the administration.”
Since then, I’ve taken time to pause, listen, and reflect. I’m more committed than ever pursuing justice, equality, and inclusion — but now with humility and a deeper sense of respect. I’ve learned that words matter, especially when you hold a public-facing role. Advocacy must be rooted in compassion, not reaction.
I don’t expect everyone to forgive me, but I hope this reflection shows I’m trying to align my actions with my values in a more thoughtful and responsible way. I believe in standing up for marginalized communities — not with threats or anger, but with empathy and meaningful action.