'What a mess': Fans support firearms YouTuber Matt Carriker as he's in 'disbelief' to see Trump's shooter wear his T-shirt merch

Warning: This article contains some graphic information and content that may trigger some readers. Discretion is advised.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS: A popular firearms influencer, Matt Carriker, spoke out Monday on YouTube condemning Thomas Matthew Crooks' attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump.

The incident shocked Carriker when he learned that the shooter was wearing a Demolition Ranch T-shirt, merchandise from his own channel.

Matt Carriker addresses disbelief over Donald Trump shooter’s attire

Matt Carriker addressed his 11 million subscribers, expressing his dismay over the association of Donald Trump's shooter with his merchandize. His video quickly garnered nearly 4 million views.

"As a lot of you guys know — and we were shocked and confused to find this out — the shooter who tried to assassinate Trump was wearing merch from my channel, wearing a Demolition Ranch T-shirt," the YouTuber told his audience.

"We don’t vet the people who buy our shirts," Carriker added. "I would love to keep people like that from buying, wearing, being associated with that article of clothing…I wish he couldn’t get a shirt, but it happened," he added.

Matt Carriker condemns violence and disassociates from political extremism

The Texas-based veterinarian, who runs two firearms channels for gun enthusiasts, usually steers clear of political discussions. However, the news has thrust him and his business into the spotlight.

"I think the difference in a gunman wearing a pair of Nike shoes and a gunman wearing my T-shirt is this brand is much more personal to me than Nike is to its executives," Carriker explained.

"To see my name next to the shooter’s name — oh, it sucks and I wish, I wish we could keep that from happening," he added, reported Fox News.

"No matter what side you're on politically, none of us want violence. This channel was never meant to incite violence or hate. It never has, it isn't, and it never will be a channel that does that," Carriker stated emphatically.

"I don't want any violence or hate anywhere around me. I have a wife and little kids. I want them to be safe and secure forever," the YouTuber added.

Carriker also expressed his disbelief on social media. "Sucks seeing articles about this and they are naming 3 people… the shooter, Trump… and somehow me. Will make a public statement soon on YT. Still just in disbelief honestly," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Internet shows support for Matt Carriker amid controversy

Netizens have been largely supportive of Matt Carriker amid the controversy surrounding Donald Trump's shooter.

Many expressed sympathy after Carriker explained what he was going through after the Trump shooter was seen wearing his T-shirt.

One user wrote on X, "Man, I’m so sorry this happened. You’re the best. Never change."

Another supporter commented, "What a mess for you. Chin up, and move forward. We got your 6."

"You had nothing to do with this tragic incident just because the shooter was wearing your shirt, just like PewDiePie had nothing to do with the Christchurch shooting even though the shooter said 'Subscribe to PewDiePie," wrote one more.

"The media's claims are ridiculous. Just know your Fans are always with you," he added. "We got your back, buddy!" added another supporter.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.*