Buffalo History Museum event postponed after award-winning cartoonist receives backlash, threats

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- An event highlighting the work of a local political cartoonist at the Buffalo History Museum has been postponed after he received backlash, including death threats, for a recent sketch, the Buffalo Newspaper Guild announced.

The event was originally scheduled for Thursday evening. Adam Zyglis, a Pulitizer prize-winning editorial cartoonist with the Buffalo News, was set to have his work featured.

On Tuesday, Zyglis published a cartoon regarding the July 4 flood in Texas that sparked conservative backlash. As of Thursday, over 120 people have died and over 170 others are still missing.

The cartoon, titled "Swept Away," shows a man wearing a MAGA hat holding a sign reading "HELP" with water up to his nose.

The Buffalo Newspaper Guild said Zyglis has received death threats following the publishing of the cartoon, as well as other threats toward his family.

"Zyglis is an opinion cartoonist who puts his name to every cartoon he draws," the union said in a statement. "...The Buffalo Newspaper Guild will not stand for physical threats of harm against him and his family. Those who stoop to such cowardly, disgraceful and anonymous acts must be held accountable."

Erie County Republican Committee Chairman Michael Kracker called on the Buffalo News to remove the cartoon and issue an apology to the families of the victims while FOX News coverage highlighted the controversy.

"The vile comments this cartoon inspired are beyond heartless," Kracker said. "People openly celebrating the deaths of Texans, mocking families who lost children, and cheering for more suffering, all because of who they voted for. It’s twisted, it’s hateful, and it has no place in a decent community."

Erie County Legislators John Mills, Frank Todaro, and Chris Greene released a joint statement, in part describing the cartoon as "tone deaf, distasteful and troubling."

Congressman Tim Kennedy said on social media that he stands with Zyglis.

"Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy -- and threats of violence against journalists are an attack on all of us," he said. "[Zyglis] uses his art to challenge, question, and inspire."

In a statement, the Buffalo History Museum said they condemn the threats. They described editorial cartooning as a form of expression protected by freedom of speech.

Zyglis reiterated the sentiment on Instagram, adding, "Threats of violence have no place in a democracy that supports Freedom of Speech and the First Amendment."

The event was intended to promote free press, especially among local journalists. It is expected to be rescheduled.