A California physician, known for his outspoken views on the pandemic, has been rebuked by a hospital after he brandished a gun in a video.
The Orange County Register reported that Dr. Jeffrey Barke of Newport Beach, has led calls to reopen businesses and schools on Twitter and YouTube videos. He has described mask mandates and stay-at-home recommendations as “tyrannical.”
In a Sept. 17 video, Barke shared a split screen with Peggy Hall, described as an “anti-masking” actvist. The Register posted the video on its website.
“What I do, Peggy, to protect you and to protect others when I’m in public — I think better than a mask — this is what I do,” Barke said, pulling out a 9-millimeter handgun.
“You know, I live in Orange County so I carry this wherever I go,” Barke said, noting that he works as “a local sheriff’s department agency as a reserve deputy.”
Hoag Hospital, with which Barke reportedly has a business relationship, called his views on COVID-19 “radical” as it tried to separate itself from the physician.
In a statement on its Twitter account, it said: “Dr .Jeffrey Barke participated in a social media interview and post espousing his personal and radical view on COVID, masking and hydroxychloroquine. To be clear he is not an employee and does not hold admitting privileges at Hoag Hospital.
“His personal views in no way represent the view of Hoag or Hoag Medical Staff, and are inconsistent with those of all recognized medical and scientific organizations.”
Jeffrey Rodack ✉
Jeffrey Rodack, who has nearly a half century in news as a senior editor and city editor for national and local publications, has covered politics for Newsmax for nearly seven years.
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