Utah AG Tweets Execution News

Critics find social media approach disrespectful
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 18, 2010 5:30 PM CDT
Utah AG Tweets Execution News
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Today's execution of Ronnie Lee Gardner—the first by firing squad in 14 years—was also likely the first execution announced on Twitter, Mashable reports. Utah AG Mark Shurtleff tweeted about the event: “I just gave the go ahead to Corrections Director to proceed with Gardner’s execution. May God grant him the mercy he denied his victims,” read one message. For many Twitter users, the detached posts weren't respectful enough for the subject matter.

“@MarkShurtleff’s tweet will probably go down in history as the dumbest most disgusting use of Twitter ever.” said one user. Lamented another: “What a way to announce someone’s execution ... twitter ... geez.”
(More Twitter stories.)

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