Aurora Theater Shooting Victims Families Disgusted By Political Attack Ad
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4)- Victims and families of victims of the Aurora theater shooting said they're disgusted by a new political attack ad.
The television advertisement used images of President Barack Obama and Senator Mark Udall in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The group behind the ad "Americans for Properity" said they've already taken down that ad and replaced it with a different version.
The ad slams Udall, a Democrat representing Colorado, for his support of Obamacare.
"This was a very selfish thing for them to do," said Caren Teves. "Just inexcusable."
Teves' son, Alex Teves, was shot and killed in the Aurora theater shooting last July.
The ad shows Udall standing next to Mr. Obama after the Aurora theater shooting but in the ad Aurora is never mentioned.
The hospital and Gov. John Hickenlooper have been edited out of the image.
Teves said to use the President's expression for an unrelated political message is disrespectful.
"I thought it was utterly disgusting to use victims of such a horrific tragedy for their own personal gain," said Teves.
After being alerted to the controversy, Americans for Prosperity changed the picture of the President and Udall.
Americans for Prosperity issued this statement: "The image used was an unfortunate oversight which was immediately corrected. The purpose of the ad is to hold Senator Udall accountable for turning a blind eye to the more than 300,000 Coloradans whose insurance plans were cancelled due to ObamaCare."
Teves said the apology doesn't ring true. For her and other victims' families, the damage is already done.
"It's too little too late," said Teves. "Think before you speak. Have a little consideration for others around you."
