Jeb Bush Defends Gun Tweet Amid Social Media Backlash

Jeb Bush is facing backlash after showing off his gun on social media during a campaign stop in Columbia, South Carolina.

The former Florida governor posted a photo of his engraved firearm on Twitter Tuesday and captioned it "America."

When asked by a reporter about his tweet, Bush appeared unaware, asking her, "the picture of the gun?"

After being briefed about the tweet posted from his account, Bush went on to say he was "honored" to have been gifted a gun by gunmaker FN America, which has a manufacturing plant in Columbia.

"The purpose was we went to a gun manufacturing facility where lots of jobs are created, high-wage jobs. And I received a gun and I was honored to have it," Bush said.

Some had fun mocking Bush's tweet:

Edward Snowden, the former CIA employee, suggested Bush simply "delete" his account.

Other liberals were not happy with Bush's tweet:

The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, which endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, shared a video of news clips.

"America. Where #gunviolence kills 33,000 people per year. Thanks for the reminder @JebBush. https://twitter.com/Bradybuzz/status/699714645515304960

Chris Murphy, Dem CT senator.

Democratic Rep. Mark Takano of California offered his own representation of America.

The National Rifle Association was quick to defend Bush on social media.