Death threats follow cartoonist Adam Zyglis' Texas flooding depiction

In early July 2025, a significant backlash arose against an editorial cartoon published by Adam Zyglis in The Buffalo News, which portrayed a Trump supporter in a red MAGA hat being swept away by floodwaters in Kerr County, Texas. The cartoon illustrated the dire situation caused by historic flash floods, which resulted in at least 120 deaths and left over 170 individuals missing. It featured the submerged figure holding a sign reading 'Help' while expressing despair that the government was the problem rather than the solution. This work prompted outrage particularly among conservative circles, triggering threats against the cartoonist. The Buffalo Newspaper Guild, which aimed to celebrate local journalism, planned a public event titled 'Drawing Support for Local Journalism' at the Buffalo History Museum. However, safety concerns led to the postponement of this event due to the rising tide of threats directed towards Zyglis. In a statement, the Guild condemned the actions of those who sought to protest and directly confront the cartoonist, characterizing the threats as attempts to intimidate not just Zyglis, but also to instill fear in the broader journalistic community. In response to the situation, Zyglis took to Instagram to address the cancellation of the event, emphasizing that threats to him and his family are unacceptable, especially in a society that champions free speech and the First Amendment. He advocated for the importance of free and open dialogue, even amidst fierce disagreement over editorial content. The Guild reiterated their commitment to supporting journalists and highlighted the essential role of local news in ensuring the public is informed. The circumstance surrounding Zyglis’ cartoon underscores ongoing tensions in political discourse in the United States, particularly in the context of tragedies that are often politicized by different factions. The reaction to the cartoon suggests a growing polarization wherein artistic expressions and critiques can stir significant controversy and, unsettlingly, violent threats against creators.