Internet slams Rep Mike Collins for saying migrants who assaulted NYPD cops be thrown out of helicopters

WASHINGTON, DC: A Republican congressman has ignited a firestorm online after glibly suggesting that a group of migrants who assaulted police officers should meet the same grisly fate as political dissidents executed in brutal dictatorships - being thrown out of helicopters to their deaths.

Rep Mike Collins (R-GA) invoked the notorious 'death flights' used by Chile's Pinochet regime in the 1970s and 80s, sparking immediate backlash and calls for punishment over the incendiary remark made on social media platforms, as reported by Mediaite.

Congressman Mike Collins' post was quickly deleted by X for violating terms of service

Collins made the controversial remark in response to a post on X by Rep Anthony D’Esposito (D-NY) about a group of migrants who flipped reporters off after being released on bail. The migrants had been charged with assaulting two NYPD officers in Times Square over the weekend.

D’Esposito had demanded that the migrants be sent back to Mexico. Collins responded, "Or we could buy him a ticket on Pinochet Air for a free helicopter ride back."

"Pinochet Air" refers to the former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet’s practice of executing dissidents by throwing them from helicopters into the Pacific Ocean in the 1970s and 80s. Hundreds disappeared this way under Pinochet’s brutal regime.

Collins’ post was quickly deleted by X platform for violating terms of service, but not before provoking outrage online. Chris Hayes of MSNBC reacted by posting, "I think sitting members of congress calling for murdering people using the Pinochet regime’s preferred method of dropping them out of helicopters is really not great."

Internet erupts with condemnation to Congressman Mike Collins' controversial proposal

In the wake of Congressman Collins' controversial proposal, the internet swiftly voiced its condemnation. One X user insisted, "This should be an immediate censure." Another user took a more severe stance, asserting, "I think he should be expelled."

Reflecting on the irony of the situation, a third user commented, "Ahh the law and order folks." Another concerned individual remarked, "And he's not actually joking. This is very bad and should be alarming to all of us."

In a more critical tone, a fifth user wrote, "Apparently, it’s based, according to the worst people." Lastly, a sixth user took immediate action, stating, "Reported."

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.