Top historian explains how Gosar's disturbing anime video underscores the GOP's real threat to US democracy

A top historian is explaining how Rep. Paul Gosar's (R-Ariz.) disturbing anime video clip underscores the real threat Republican lawmakers pose to the United States' democracy.

On Tuesday, November 9, Joanne Freeman, a top historian at Yale University specializing in the early structure and history of American politics and government culture, put Gosar's tweet into perspective as she highlighted how disturbing his subliminal threat of violence really is.

"Threats of violence lead to actual violence. They clear the ground. They cow opposition. They plant the idea, Freeman tweeted, "They normalize it. They encourage it. They maim democracy. And run the risk of killing it."

The critical remarks came shortly after Gosar shared the video which featured an anime version of himself killing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). The Democratic lawmaker fired back with a fiery rebuke of Gosar and the video. Other Democrats also weighed in to slam the far-right Arizona lawmaker.

"This is sick behavior from Rep. Paul Gosar," Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) tweeted.

Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) also slammed Gosar as he called on the House to impose some form of consequences for the lawmaker's threat.

“This is grotesque and demands action by the House of Representatives and social media companies. Glorification & incitement of violence is not just toxic to our democracy, but dangerous for my friends and colleagues. Enough is enough!" Crow tweeted.

Rep. Illhan Omar (D-Minn.) also called for Gosar to be reprimanded for his behavior.

She tweeted, "This man should not serve in Congress. Fantasizing about violently attacking your colleagues has no place in our political discourse and society.

Despite the critical reactions, Gosar's digital director has stood by the production of the clip insisting it is being taken too seriously.