COVIDIOT: Arkansas lawmaker Jason Rapert, who recently shared a report on Facebook claiming coronavirus was a “political hoax,” has been hospitalized with the virus.
KATV reports:
Arkansas Sen. Jason Rapert, R-Conway, has tested positive for coronavirus. Rapert was hospitalized and diagnosed with pneumonia and COVID-19, according to a news release on Thursday.
Raw Story reports:
Arkansas State Sen. Jason Rapert (R) has a known history of downplaying the coronavirus, even pushing narratives on social media that describe it as a “hoax.” Now, he’s contracted the virus after appearing as a guest preacher at Sanctuary of Hope church in Branson, Missouri about two weeks ago.
Last April, Rapert shared a report on his Facebook page claiming that the “coronavirus hype” is a “political hoax.”
In a statement announcing his hospitalization, Rapert said:
This is a difficult time for my family, but we know that God is with us always. We have all been doing our best to wear a mask, social distance and be careful like everyone else. This virus is serious and can attack anyone regardless of age or general health.
However, Senator Rapert, a radical Christian extremist who once claimed gay pride parades are an “anti-Christian attack,” is being dishonest. Before his hospitalization Rapert was not wearing a mask, and less than 2 weeks before being hospitalized Rapert was caught on video speaking at and attending a large megachurch service at The Sanctuary of Hope church in Branson, Missouri, where no one was wearing masks, including Rapert.
Friendly Atheist reports:
Here’s what you should notice from this worship service: There are a lot of people gathering indoors, they’re close together, and they’re not wearing masks. (Rapert shows up around the 52:00 mark.)
Bottom line: Arkansas State Senator Jason Rapert, who suggested coronavirus was a “political hoax,” and appeared without a mask at a megachurch less than two weeks ago, has been hospitalized with the virus.
