Don't shoot at Hurricane Irma: Florida police warns after Facebook event goes viral
As thousands of Americans evacuated before hurricane Irma made its way in Florida, some made plans to shoot at it.
Close to 55,000 people were interested in "attending" the 'Shoot At Hurricane Irma' event on Facebook.
Given the large numbers interested in participating, Florida police were prompted to issue a warning that clearly stated: "DO NOT shoot weapons @ #Irma. You won't make it turn around & it will have very dangerous side effects."
To clarify, DO NOT shoot weapons @ #Irma. You won't make it turn around & it will have very dangerous side effectshttps://t.co/CV4Y9OJknv
— Pasco Sheriff (@PascoSheriff) September 10, 2017
The creator of the event said it was created for fun. "A combination of stress and boredom made me start the event," explained Ryon Edwards, event creator, told BBC Newsbeat.
The event and police warning both received mixed reactions on social media. Some found the event extremely bizarre in times of crisis. Others couldn't believe cops had to warn people over such a scenario.
— #defendDACA (@LONELYEXlSTENCE) September 10, 2017
Take a look at some of the reactions here:
— kodak krissy (@m1ghty_ch0ndria) September 10, 2017
46,000 people joined the event, worth the clarification
— Pasco Sheriff (@PascoSheriff) September 10, 2017
I mean, this is Yahoo "News" so my expectations aren't that huge, but I guess still good to clarify?? ðŸ¤"🙃
— RahRah (@RahQuarius) September 10, 2017
Hey everyone here for shooting guns at hurricanes...how about you RT this, too, and get some volunteers for our shelters? pic.twitter.com/Bn9wL0U8xM
— Pasco Sheriff (@PascoSheriff) September 10, 2017
Doesn't matter if they think it will stop it. Still good to make sure people don't do it thinking it's funny.
— MinnePuffin (@MinnePuffin) September 10, 2017
HEY let's shoot ammo into a spinning cloud of wind and rain, moving at about 130 MPH! What could go wrong?https://t.co/JNuVQBOMzc
— ENanasi✌ (@IWillAKF) September 9, 2017
They're shooting guns at Irma, and using electric fans to blow her away...
— Hakan Robert 4plâ'¶y (@Foreplay9TG) September 10, 2017
Based on this info — Florida MUST hav the BEST drugs on Earth!!
People in Florida are actually shooting guns towards hurricane Irma........... 🤦ðŸ»â™‚ï¸ makes me wonder if they voted for Trump.. ðŸ¤"
— ALDO (@a_l_d_o_92) September 10, 2017
If they're shooting at a Hurricane then sounds like #Irma gonna do Florida a favour clearing out the Darwin award candidates... jeezus
— James Rowley-Hill (@chunder10) September 10, 2017
Is it really true, that ppl in Florida are shooting at Irma? Hahaha
— Nordic Justice (@KirkLazarus01) September 10, 2017