CNN anchor Don Lemon opened CNN Tonight Thursday with breaking news–the identity of the gunman in the Oregon mass shooting, Chris Harper Mercer.
In Oregon, Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin, however, said he would not use the man’s name. “I will not give him the credit he probably sought with this horrific and cowardly act,” said Hanlin. “You will never hear me mention his name.”
On Twitter, Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly applauded the sheriff’s decision, saying “Good for you.” Kelly also called out Lemon:
My friend @donlemon says "we (TV news) must identify him b/c that is our job." No. Print media can. TV gives infamy he prob desired. Don't!
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) October 2, 2015
Lemon responded:
Hi Megyn. My heart agrees with you, but I believe we (journalists) must name shooters. Sparingly though. https://t.co/3UVmixNECP
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) October 2, 2015