The Associated Press kicked off the Independence Day celebrations on Tuesday with an article explaining why the word “patriot” has become problematic in recent years.

In the article, the outlet argued that the word had been overtly political and taken up by extremist groups, used in ways that made it less about love for the country and more about hatred for certain minority groups.

“The term ‘patriot’ in America has become infused in political rhetoric and school curriculums, with varying meanings, while also being appropriated by white nationalist groups,” the outlet tweeted along with a link to the full piece.

The term ‘patriot’ in America has become infused in political rhetoric and school curriculums, with varying meanings, while also being appropriated by white nationalist groups. https://t.co/UO2stwBz51

— The Associated Press (@AP) July 4, 2023

“Today, the word and its variants have morphed beyond the original meaning. It has become infused in political rhetoric and school curriculums, with varying definitions, while being appropriated by white nationalist groups,” the article alleged, using data from the far-left Southern Poverty Law Center to support the idea that radical right-wing extremists had coopted the word. “Trying to define what a patriot is depends on who is being asked.”

Citing the Capitol Riot on January 6th, 2021, Louisiana State University historian Gaines Foster said that extremist groups were beginning to focus on a more revolutionary meaning of the word, saying, “People began to lean less toward a commitment to democracy and more to the notion in the Declaration of Independence that there is a ‘right of revolt,’ and that becomes patriotism.”

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Critics were quick to point out that the timing of the article — if not the subject matter itself — was suspect.

“Just can’t help themselves,” Chad Felix Greene tweeted.

“AP can’t even take a break from dividing Americans on Independence Day. Pathetic,” another said.

“AP desperately tries to malign the word ‘patriot’ on #4thofJuly. Only thing it does is remind us how much they hate the U.S. #Patriots,” Andy Martin responded.

A suspect is in custody after a mass shooting in Philadelphia on Monday night reportedly left at least five people dead and two children injured.

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, authorities apprehended a 40-year-old man about ten minutes after the shooting several blocks. He was allegedly wearing a ballistic vest. Police recovered an “AR-style” rifle, a police scanner, and extra ammunition, the report said. Other local news outlets said the man also had a handgun.

“We have absolutely no idea why this happened,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw. “At this point, all we know is that this person left their home and decided to target individuals.”

Outlaw said the gunfire started around 8:30 pm in the Kingsessing section of the Southwest part of the city. Police responded, finding approximately 50 spent shell casings at the scene and hearing gunfire nearby. Law enforcement reportedly chased the suspect as the gunfire continued before confronting the suspect in an alley, issuing verbal commands, then arresting the man, Outlaw said, adding that no police officers discharged their weapons.

“Thank God our officers were here on scene, they responded as quickly as they did, I can’t even describe the level of bravery and courage that was shown in addition to the restraint,” Outlaw continued.

Police identified the deceased as five men between the ages of 20-59. A two-year-old and a 13-year-old were also injured. Both are reportedly boys in stable condition.

Initial reports said four people had been killed, but a fifth victim was found inside a home four hours after the shooting. Police said a man arrived home to find his 31-year-old son dead.

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“We believe because of where he was found and where his house is on 56th Street and the fact that we found ballistic evidence that matches the ballistic evidence we found on the street a few hours earlier, we believe this homicide is related,” said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small.

Democratic Mayor Jim Kenney took to social media on Monday night to offer condolences.

“Horrified by the reports of a shooting in Southwest Philadelphia,” he tweeted. “My heart is with the loved ones and families of everyone involved, and I send my prayers to the victims.”

Outlaw said another individual who allegedly fired at the gunman during the shooting was also arrested.

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