Top Des Moines meteorologist resigns after receiving death threats for climate change coverage

22 June 2023

In Des Moines, Iowa, Chris Gloninger has been the top meteorologist at KCCI-TV, the city's CBS affiliate. Gloninger has been reporting on a subject that meteorologists are well aware of: climate change — and some far-right MAGA Republicans have responded with threats of violence.

On Wednesday, June 21, Gloninger announced, on Twitter, that he was leaving the station — and cited the threats as a factor in his decision.

In his statement, Gloninger explained, "18 years. 7 stations. 5 states. I am bidding farewell to TV to embark on a new journey dedicated to helping solve the climate crisis. After a death threat stemming from my climate coverage last year and resulting PTSD, in addition to family health issues, I've decided to begin this journey now."

The Des Moines Register reports that in September 2022, a man in Lenox, Iowa was fined $105 for harassing Gloninger in a series of e-mails. One of them read, "You are worthless Biden puppet, a liar, a conspiracy theorist, and an idiot!!! You give Iowa a bad name, GO HOME B—-."

Gloninger, according to the Register, has been with KCCI-TV since July 6, 2021, and he will be leaving this July 7.

The meteorologist also announced the departure on KCCI, telling viewers, "I did receive a threat last summer that left us a little bit shaken, and I've been working through the healing process. But during that time, both of our families had unexpected serious health issues. Family is important."

Gloninger stressed that leaving television will allow him to make climate activism his main focus.

The meteorologist explained, "Stepping away from TV will allow my wife, and I to help (family members) in their time of need, and will also allow me to make a difference full time in something that I'm very passionate about in the realm of climate change and finding solutions, being able to adapt and mitigate to this issue that we have globally."

The Des Moines Register's full report is available at this link.

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