The first news story is from CNN (it's in blue) and the second story is Fox's counter-story (it's in red): CNN story: Sean Hannity pulls gun on Juan Williams Author: Dylan Byers After ending his on-air argument with Juan Williams, Sean Hannity pulled out a gun and pointed it directly at Williams, turning on the laser sight and causing a red dot to bob around on Williams' body. The off-camera antic disturbed Williams and others. When asked why he is antagonistic, Hannity said: "If people take cheap shots, I hit them back. I finish fights. I am a counterpuncher." Hannity's colleagues brought the incident to the attention of Fox News executives, who referred it to the legal department. Click here for the full story. Fox counter-story: CNN fake news smears Sean Hannity’s reputation with phony felony assault Author: Matthew Boyle CNN writer Dylan Byers printed a story alleging: “After ending an on-air arguments with Juan Williams, Sean Hannity pulled out a gun and pointed it directly at Williams.” Byers cited “three confidential sources” to make the claim. Hannity and Williams both say the incident is overblown by CNN, which is a Fox competitor that is lagging behind Fox in ratings, and is under fire for printing fake news stories like this one. Williams says “This incident is being sensationalized — and I never felt like I was put in harm’s way.” Williams said, “Sean and I continue to be great friends.” Williams defended Hannity. Click here for the full story.
I never saw the film clip so I can't say anything about whether Williams appeared startled or frightened when the pistol came out. To me, that's the important thing. Not Hannity's intention but the effect on Williams. I'm perfectly willing to believe that Hannity had no bad intentions. To me this is a non-issue.
That probably didn't come out right! I didn't even read the story. I did see something about a laser pointer, and it caught my interest. I just like guns. I am really not interested in that story.
Reading the article quotes Mr. Hannity "while discussing the issue of firearms, I showed my good friend Juan Williams my unloaded firearm in a professional and safe manner for educational purposes only". Mr. Williams confirmed this. If he was brandishing, then he should be charged appropriately, but according to his and witnesses' word, this was not case.
In spite of their ideological differences, Sean Hannity and Juan Williams are actually good friends. If Williams isn't concerned about it, I have no idea why anyone else should be.
