'Fascist violence': Internet erupts after GOP lawmaker calls for murdering immigrants

Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) caused a blowup on the social media site X on Thursday following a post in which he suggested immigrants should be given rides on "Pinochet Air" — a reference to a Chilean dictator whose armed forces tossed kidnapped dissidents out of helicopters on "death flights" over the Pacific Ocean.

"I think sitting members of congress calling for murdering people using the Pinochet regime's preferred method of dropping them out of helicopters is really not great," wrote MSNBC anchor Chris Hayes Thursday.

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"We wonder why the right wingers aren't freaking out about Trump's dictator talk but we shouldn't," wrote Pete Fuller, the chair of the Jackson County, Georgia Democrats. "The hard right would love Trump taking over dictatorial powers and to start disappearing the people that are inconvenient to them — as nepobaby Mike Collins demonstrates."

"Congressman Mike Collins from Georgia is literally threatening people with fascist violence," wrote newsletter writer "Ash J."

Perhaps one of the most spirited responses came from Collins himself, who posted from his personal account after his "Pinochet Air" post was taken down for violating the X rules and his campaign account was temporarily locked.

"What is @elonmusk phone number?" wrote Collins. "He's apparently got a few more folks to fire! Help me #FreeCollins."