Santos Pitches AR-15 As 'National Gun', Spars With NYC Mayor Online

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — Rep. George Santos faces a new wave of criticism after he sponsored legislation to declare AR-15 style rifles the "national gun of the U.S." and picked a fight with Mayor Eric Adams online.

On Thursday, Gov. Kathy Hochul called out the embattled Republican for his move to honor a gun tied to some of the nation's most devastating mass shootings, including the 2022 attack at a Uvalde school.

"This bill, which attempts to glorify the weapons that have been part of such horrific tragedies, adds unforgivable insult to injury for those families," Hochul said in a statement.

"It should never become law, and Congressman Santos should immediately remove his name from it, if he has any respect for New Yorkers."

The outcry came one day after Santos targeted Adams over a report from THE CITY on a surplus of medical-grade supplies auctioned off by New York City.

“Hey @ericadamsfornyc," Santos tweeted. "Care to explain what’s going on here?”

The story claimed that $200 million worth of COVID-19 gear purchased by New York City during their initial response efforts were actioned for about $500,000 as pandemic-related restrictions were eased, cases ebbed, and businesses reopened.

But the Department of Citywide Administrative Services later issued a statement contesting the THE CITY's report and arguing it overstated the initial cost of the COVID-19 supplies. A review by the department also showed that the items were non-medical grade items, and were approaching their expiration date.

Adams’ communications director, Maxwell Young, also took time to call out Santos in a tweet of his own.

"Care to explain where you worked, why you lied about being on the Volleyball team, who funded your campaign, why you faked a dog charity and bounced checks trying to buy puppies, and where you got the nerve to lie to the New Yorkers who elected you?”

The internal feud comes as the Republican faces scrutiny left and right after fabricating his resume during his campaign, which won him a seat to represent New York’s 3rd District.

Federal and county courts have launched inquiries looking into several campaign finance allegations, and a group of House Democrats filed a resolution to expel the freshman lawmaker from Congress.