Lesbian Police Officer Who Took a Bullet For Antigay Congressmen Praised by Trump

AWESOME: Capitol Police Officer Crystal Griner, injured in the baseball practice shooting, throws 1st pitch at the @CWSoftballGame: pic.twitter.com/nVlyxi5d0U

— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) June 21, 2017

Capitol Police Officer Crystal Griner is being labeled as a hero for stepping in to protect Republican lawmakers from a gunman who opened fire at a practice baseball game in Alexandria, VA, on June 14. Exactly one week later, Griner, who was shot in the ankle during the attack, was asked to throw the first pitch at the Congressional Women's Softball Game as a tribute her bravery. Earlier that day, Griner reportedly received flowers and a message of gratitude from First Lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump when they visited MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

"Many lives would have been lost if not for the heroic actions of the two Capitol Police officers who took down the gunman despite sustaining gunshot wounds during a very, very brutal assault," Trump said, referring to Griner and David Bailey, the other officer who sustained minor injuries during the shooting. Vice President Mike Pence also tweeted out a statement thanking the two officers for their service.

The courageous actions of Officer Crystal Griner, and that of Officer David Bailey, saved lives and prevented an even greater tragedy. pic.twitter.com/7RiSQTDL4E

— Vice President Mike Pence Archived (@VP45) June 15, 2017

Many people across social media called out the hypocrisy of Trump and Pence praising Griner, who is a lesbian, for her service in the attack, yet offering very little to no support for the LGBT community under the current administration. Members of the LGBT community also noted how Griner risked her life for Congressman Steve Scalise, who has authored antigay marriage legislation in the past. Read on to see a few responses to their praises of Griner ahead.

Crystal Griner risked her life to save @SteveScalise. She was comforted in the hospital by her wife. Scalise is against same sex marriage.

— LZ Granderson (@LZGranderson) June 15, 2017

"Let's celebrate Crystal by taking away her freedoms and allow others to discriminate against her and call it RFRA!" #MAGA

— Brian McKeon (@BrianMcKeon5) June 15, 2017

Is she less worthy? Less deserving? You believe she and her wife, who you don't think she had the right to marry, are inferior. Explain.

— Get Din The Way! (@Din_of_Inequity) June 15, 2017

Yet, if Officer Crystal Griner visits Indiana, you signed into law SB101, so she can be refused service. Counterfeit Christian.

— Pam Adams (@PamPsa28) June 17, 2017

Maybe you should realize the people who risk their lives to save your peers are deserving of all the same rights you enjoy.

— Bobby Ashhurst (@bobbyashhurst) June 16, 2017