Politics: USA Today issues a clarification after depicting a rifle with a 'chainsaw bayonet'

A video posted by USA TODAY was criticized by firearm aficionados for its portrayal of the rifle that was reportedly used by the gunman in rural Texas.

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A video posted by USA Today was criticized by firearm aficionados for its portrayal of the Ruger AR-556, the rifle that was reportedly used by a gunman to kill 26 people at a church in rural Texas.

In the brief video, USA Today identified components of the rifle and attachments that the assault-style rifle can be equipped with, some of them rare and ineffectual, including what appeared to be a belt-driven chainsaw.

Firearm enthusiasts and media personalities were quick to point out the far-fetched modification, which people have used to fuel stereotypes against the gun industry and gun owners, particularly in the wake of mass shootings.

Some people found humor in the improbability of the attachment with some memes.

Following the responses, USA Today replied to its video with a tweet: "To clarify, the video shows both the shooter’s modifications, as well as other possible modifications. The shooter did not use a chainsaw bayonet."

Watch the video here:

A video posted by USA TODAY was criticized by firearm aficionados for its portrayal of the rifle that was reportedly used by the gunman in rural Texas. Read Full Story