E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
AP
Steven Cowan, 67, blasted his television set with a shotgun after watching Bristol Palin's "Dancing with the Stars" routine Monday night.
Viewers shocked and frustrated by Bristol Palin's inexplicable dance floor success (and there are plenty of you out there) have nothing on one disgruntled “Dancing With the Stars” fan.
Steven N. Cowan of Town of Vermont, Wis., was seemingly unable to confine his ballroom rage to the usual online comment or water cooler rant and instead, chose to shoot his television for daring to air the offending footage of Palin at all.
According to documents posted to The Smoking Gun, Cowan’s gun-toting drama began during Monday night’s semifinals performance show. Yes, that means the man is said to have shot the set before Palin went on to beat out Brandy for a spot in the finals. Good thing he was in police custody by then.
“(Cowan’s wife) Janice reported that she was on the couch in the living room, watching television,” a criminal complaint read. “The ‘Dancing With the Stars’ show came on a 7:00 p.m. Janice estimated that at approximately 7:30 p.m., Sarah Palin’s daughter was dancing. Steven jumped up and swore, saying something to the effect of, 'The f---ing politics.' Steven was upset that a political figure’s daughter was dancing on this particular show when Steven did not think she was a good dancer.”
See Bristol Palin and Mark Ballas perform the paso doble Steven Cowan watched before grabbing his gun.
Cowan is hardly alone in that sentiment, but the following actions set him apart from the crowd. After disappearing upstairs for some time, he returned with a single-shot shotgun and allegedly fired a round into the TV screen.
Cowan’s wife told police, “He scared the Bejebees out of me.”
No doubt.
The man, said to suffer from a mental health condition, went on to threaten to kill himself and now faces disorderly conduct and weapons charges after a standoff with police.
Related content:
Leave a Comment:
Who is Bristol Palin to be on DWTS's anyway. I thought that in order to be on the show you had to have been or be a STAR! Sorry folks, Bristol is not a STAR. I guess now the show will allow someone who's Great Grandmother was on the Hindenburg! It goes to show you who is in charge of the NETWORKS!
Wow! This guy is obviously a bleeding heart lib to have so much pinned up hatred for a 19 year old girl named Palin and we thought liberals were anti-vigilantist and pro-gun control!
Yo Keefe! The article clearly states that Mr. Cowan suffers from "a mental condition." Almost by definition that means he's a dedicated Republican Tea Partier......
hey jersey bob that describes all dems to us repubs
She is very well known by the general public. I knew who she was more than I knew who a lot of people were on that show!
Yeah, Jersey Bob, I thought all liberals were peace loving anti gun people. He must have had alot of rage built up in him. I'm surprised he didn't shoot a voting machine one the 2nd of November.
The show is pap. I feel sorry for the old geezer.
Neither was the Situation and nobody said anything about him...
Hey, skiddy, the reason he did it is because he is Bush and Cheney's illegitimate love child and he just couldn't take the pressure any more. Palin had promised to marry him, but she never came to his door, so seeing her daughter on TV just set him off. Still, it all might have been OK if only you had kept your promise to him to marry him if Sarah didn't...
How can I say all this when it isn't true? Why not? Nothing in any article I've read says anything about his political leanings, but you righties keep saying he's a liberal, so I think it is perfectly fine if I throw a bunch of unsubstantiated garbage around, too!
Well why else would he call it "political bs?" Sounds like a liberal to me, since she or her Momma is on the right. Since you seem to be liberal, throwing around unsubstantiated garbage should be right up your alley.
Dancing with the Idiots and American Idiot! Viewers need hobbies!
Skiddy, that was a really poor response - you were the one with the unsubstantiated garbage, not me, so I guess that makes you a liberal by your "reasoning", correct? By the way, I hear there are plenty of conservatives that dislike Palin immensely - does that suddenly make them "liberal"?
And I don't want to make your head explode or anything, but there are likely a lot of people out there, from all policital leanings (or complete lack thereof) that are tired of politics being jammed down their throats no matter what they watch. But that's OK, you just keep deluding yourself and go right on with thinking anybody that disagrees with you or thinks Palin in less than you think she is must be a liberal; that will probably work out well for you.
Everyone is all excited about Bristol's place on the stage. Who said DWTS was a true Dance Contest? Certainly not in it's title. We watch "stars" dancing with pros. Some are good and some seriously not so good. But the show's Judges do not decide who should go on to the next week, the American People do. Those attacking Bristol for getting more votes than Brandy are incredibly simpleminded. Obviously People are voting for a variety of reasons. The network invites those they believe America would enjoy watching. Being Sarah's daughter got Bristol up on the stage, but the majority of Americans are keeping her up there. Is she the best dancer? Of course not. Does she try just as hard as every other dancer up there? Probably harder! Why or for whatever reason, America decided she deserves to stay. Relax ~ it's a TV show!!!
Hey jersy BOBin it
The mental disorder lies with the genetic "liberal gene" disorder, but dont fret, soon there will be a cure for all of you.
Let me just mention that Kate gossdale (sp) certainly was no star. She had 8 kids and a public divorce, does this make a star? so if she can be on I would say Bristol is much more of a star and a better dancer.
this goes to show the mental state of the left they are alll crazy X 10
SOCALK Very good post non intrusive no insults factual nice job and all this from lib land (not that u are one)
I find it hard to believe people watch this drivel.
Crazy right wing gun nuts. Oh, wait....
Now that's funny right there.
Damn, Elvis sure has changed his looks
I hope they don't let him watch t.v. in the jail next week. He'll start a prison riot!!!
CdB----it's no more drivel than any of the sitcoms, soaps, talk shows, game shows or other types of tv contests. Not everybody wants to watch C-Span, CNN or Discovery 24/7. Further, why would you read the article and post to it ?
Well I felt like shooting at my tv too, good thing I don't own a gun!! This is a little bit drastic of course but there is NO way Brandy should have gone home...it is pure politics no one can say any different. I voted and voted and voted and Kurt and Brandy are gone so I don't want to hear Tom from DWTS to tell me that I "should have voted if I didn't like the results".. I did vote and it still sucks!
Kurt sucked and Brandy was only slightly better. Palin was probably equally as bad or good as Brandy and she won. Who cares...they were a close match! Either Kyle or Grey will win anyway. There is no politics, so why don't you leave politics out of it?
Hahaha! If you believe that politics has nothing to do with Bristol still being on DWTS then even though I don't know you can tell how very stupid you really are!! Would we know Bristol if not for her mom? Of course not, and how do we know her mother? Oh yea.. she was almost our VP..ugh!! So yea, it is pretty political. I am not saying everyone voting is a teabagger but most of them are!!!
Now do me a favor and myob and let me say what I want..thanks!
It is a FREE call or else I would not be calling that is for sure. You are correct about the validity of the show and I guess we should just expect the unexpected but from what I am hearing, those who kept trying to vote for Brandy were getting continuous busy signals and could not vote for her. There is some conspiracy theory going around that it is all of the teabaggers but no one know for sure.
The Palins: ya can't shoot em and you can't pay them to go away!
you say you voted and voted it sounds like you voted more that once you fit right in with Harr Ried And Obummer. good job
Wow! This guy is obviously a bleeding heart lib to have so much pinned up hatred for a 19 year old girl named Palin and we thought liberals were anti-vigilantist and pro-gun control!
Keefe
Get a glass of water and take your pills.
My neighbor said he was going to shoot his TV if Bristol made it through. Here is my beef. This is a dancing competition. I applaud Bristol on her accomplishments but her winning DWTS would be the same as someone giving the Presidency to her Mom without voting. A person needs to earn the position. Bristol has learned a lot about dancing but is she the best? No. Is she better than Brandy? No. The Tea Party is unfairly hurting the others. What will end up happening here - and ABC needs to listen - is that stars will start to refuse to become contestants and ABC will loose out. I respect Bristol and while I don't agree with her Mom's politics, I feel that this is totally wrong. The public needs to not be this blind. Reward those that are better and congratulate Bristol but it was completely unfair to kick off Brandy.
I completely agree with you! People: This is a stupid TV show! Get over it! Switch the station and watch something else if you need to be glued to the tube!
Tuning out all things Palin is the best revenge of all. Let the media know how you feel by simply not watching!
If the show was about talent, the viewing audience wouldn't be allowed to vote.
This is an entertainment show, if you want real competition, watch the Olympics.
Well said, Nancy. I feel kind of sorry for Bristol because if she does win, she'll always know it was because Tea Party followers were voting her up because of who she is and not how well she danced. I fault the judges too because that dance Brandy danced was far better than Bristol's. I'm about finished watching the show. I get so sick of the popularity aspect of it. It seems fun at the beginning of the season, but in the end I want the best dancer to win.
Good grief. I hope he doesn't find out about the Sarah Palin-in-wild Alaska-presidential-campaign show on TLC. He'll need a rocket launcher to appropriately respond.
I'm with you, Bill! Isn't it unbelievable that our so-called press would even report on a story like this? Hmm...wonder if liberal bias has anything to do with it?
Look on the "liberal bias" Fox News site for your answer, troll.
I'll save you some work...the link is http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/11/17/authorities-man-shoots-television-bristol-palin-dwts-performance/
People, the article states that he has a mental disorder. This just pushed him over the edge; shame on msnbc for exploiting this guy's serious health problem. Hope he is able to get help for his instability and not jail time
I agree! Shame on MSNBC!
By the way, here is the link for the story on Fox News: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/11/17/authorities-man-shoots-television-bristol-palin-dwts-performance/
Can somebody explain corsair's post to me? It doesn't seem to have a thing to do with my post or the one I replied to, but maybe I'm missing something. Or maybe corsair is just another troll.
Actually, you need to look up what "troll" means before you either attack me for my use of the word or call me one. I am also very worried about how smart you may think I am when you can't even spell.
And, no, I do not know what is being said to me. I did not say anything about the mental stability of any of the Palins or address any disabilities any of them may or may not have. Neither, it should be noted, did the original poster. Your post was only meant to incite and be divisive - that is the definition of a troll.
LNWJ
when corsair hears the word "troll" it usually reminds him of his Junior Prom date just nicknamed "The Troll"....since it was his cousin and he lost his virginity that night - he still gets a little sensitive.
you hurt my feelings...
there you go again calling me a "Puffy" - what does that mean exactly?
I think he's calling you a party....
party - patsy - puffy - pooty - porky - pinky -
guess it doen't matter as long as he doesn't call me a big wussy!
Why did "what what (in the butt)" or the video of the fat kid using the broomstick as a light sabre become overnight sensations? What about "double rainbow"? The internet public has an ironic and innapropriate sense of humor, and anyone who is surprised that Bristol is being carried to victory by online viewers need only to look at a few low-brow Youtube memes to understand why. Honestly, I care so little about DWTS, I'd probably vote for Bristol myself... just because her clumsy competition and everyone up in arms over it makes the situation as amusing as that guy preaching "the rent if too damn high". And honestly, Bristol has a point- she's a nobody, a non-celebrity, and certainly not a trained dancer. Brandy and Jennifer Grey are both pro dancers, trained since they were kids. Seems the competition was leaning towards Brandy and Grey to begin with, so the absolute bottom-of-the-bucket underdog beating at least one of them is an interesting twist.
As for the guy shooting his TV, I hope it was at least a CRT.
Guys, it's a TV show! I highly doubt the other seasons were completely without some degree of "politics." No doubt if I were watching I would agree with those who thought Brandy was better, but since when are these shows totally accurate representations of the contestants' talents? It appears that some of you are letting your hate with regard to politics spill over into entertainment to your own detriment. If you can't stand seeing it, don't watch it.
LOL. He will probably expect the government to buy him a new tv!
I'm sorry, can you explain to me why you say stupid crap like this?
I cannot believe that I'm going to say this, but she really wasn't bad at all in that Paso. I don't think she should've been on the show in the first place because she is not a "Star." And I haven't watched the show for the past two seasons because of who they are getting (Kate and now Bristol), but I have to say, after watching the video, she should definitely get points for being most improved -- she was a non-dancer before coming on the show and performed a pretty darn good Paso Doble, people. Come on, you've got to give her credit for that! And before anyone says anything - I HATE her mother, so politics does not come into play here.
corsair, are you unable to read or is it just some kind of difficulty with comprehension?
No, I am not missing the point, but it seems you are. Watching a video that shows only a portion of a show does not mean you watched the show itself, and to say otherwise is a bit disingenuous. If you want to watch Derek Jeter at bats only, you are not watching the Yankees, you are watching Derek Jeter, although I have no idea why anyone would want to watch either of them. I could say you were nitpicking, but I don't think it even amounts to that...you messed up.
Oh, corsair, are you saying I am unintelligent? After the drivel you post? And then you put the cute little outhouse name-calling in your response as well. My, my...you've gone and hurt my feelings.
Your argument has nothing to do with the original post, nor with your completely off-the-wall response. As a matter of fact, you are simply veering all over the road in your feeble attempt to justify yourself.
Uh, you inferred I was stupid, not the other way around. But that's OK, you run with that...and please use the spell checker before you attack my intelligence.
Her Paso was decent. She actually finally showed some character development in that dance. However, in her second dance, you could see when she wasn't into it when she looked like a Stepford wife.
To the topic at hand though, why would anyone give someone with a mental disorder a gun?!
unfortunately politics does come into play because that is why she is on the show in the first place. Why else? If her Mom was the Avon lady we wouldn't even know who she is. Bristol and her defenders have to face the fact that she is getting her mother's supporter's votes. If my friends daughter was on the show I would vote for her! I'm sure there are people out there that are truly her fans but she doesn't have a fan base of her own large enough to beat out some of the other celebs on this show. What would she have a fan base for? Teen activist? how nice for her that she was able to turn her pregnancy into a lucrative career. Too bad for all the other unwed teen moms that can't. In my day we would have been ashamed and kept a low profile. Now we applaud and reward, I guess I can't blame her for taking advantage of the opportunity, but shame on DWTS for giving her the opportunit and the rest of us for watching. I did stop watching the show a few weeks ago when I realized what was really going on.
LMFAO!!!!! I'm sorry, but that's funny!!
If that upsets him to the point of discharging a firearm, what would getting cut off in traffic do to him? Or waiting too long in a line for coffee?
I think the actual show has less to do with his actions than the fact that he's a bit unstable to start with....
That man probably didn't even have mental problems until he started watching this season of, "Dancing With The Stars". If i would have had my gun handy, I might have done the same thing. Another thing that makes me want to shoot the tv is Carrie Ann's insane gesturing! Can she possibly judge while sitting on her hands?
Calling her or her family royalty is disgusting. They are opportunistic trailer trash.
Of course he has a mental disorder....he is a liberal after all...
Hey, troll - do you know this guy? It doesn't state anywhere in the article what his political leanings are, just the intimation that he was disappointed with politics being everywhere. There are plenty of Republicans and other conservatives that dislike Palin, it isn't just liberals. Brilliant statement...
I can't believe that you have nothing better or more important to do than spend all this time on this blog! Get a life! I am moving on to more important matters...like trying to make a positive difference in this world. Evidently all you do is vent. Sad, really.
Good response, troll. Can't defend your statements, so you attack me. Typical. I can see you are working hard on that "positive difference" just by reading your posts...
sunnygirl
since you are here posting - is this one of your "more important matters" you are attending too?
DWTS always looks for notables,fame seekers, has beens and almost were's to be on the show. Palin fits in that category because of her mother and her "baby daddy" Johnson. That said, I am definetely not a Sarah Palin fan. Politically, I think she is a waste of air.
I don't normally watch DWTS, so I didn't see Brandy's dance. That said, I did watch the video of Bristo's Paso Doble and I thought it was very good. If the nut job was going to go beserk, you would think he would have done so on one of the lack-luster dances that got her on the bottom of the leader board.
This guy should be locked up to protect himself and those around him is he gets that upset about a stupid reality dance show.
Bristol Pelin has not any ability, she is not different then her Mom, American people are making fun of her. I think she must stay in her self respect. and do the right things for the sake of her family.
NYC.
If you care to make a comment "NYC", try spelling her last name correctly and use correct punctuation! Alas! Another illiterate lefty penning their hate and bias! And this article was written for what reason?!? The same reason you wrote this nonsensical paragraph. You are a hater, plain and simple.
Judgmental much, sunnygirl? Perhaps AKBER is a lefty, perhaps not - you don't know, but you are pretty good at making assumptions. As to the article and the reason for its writing, as well as the "hater" crap, go check your beloved Fox News site; it contains an article about this as well. Or is that somehow different? It is news, whether it's the news you care to read or not...but if it upsets you so, why are you even on this board? Look up the definition of "troll" to find the answer.
Actually, while you may be a very good troll, you are not that good at definitions. "Freedom" does not have anything to do with someone's ability to be on Internet sites. Some sites charge money and if you don't pay they won't let you on; some sites, such as this one, require that you register in order to post and they are free to either allow you in or not, as well as to throw you off if they choose; some sites require that you be a member of their organization or whatnot. Try again.
In any event, the point is that she makes these little pronouncements about how awful this site is, but she has the "Freedom" to not be on here if she finds it so reprehensible. The "Freedom" argument that people like you use is a straw man and is merely another talking point without basis in fact.
OK, corsair, you want to attempt to debate with me?
sunny made a post earlier indicative of her disgust with the "liberal bias" sites that would even report on this matter. When I pointed out to her that the same story was on Fox News, she suddenly became very quiet. Two points here: the typical talking point relating to the liberal media, and an inability to respond to a fact, such as the little matter that Fox News also posted this story (albeit from a different author).
Next, you attempt to cover your butt with the "visit" thing on sites, when that is NOT what you said. You said she had the "Freedom" to be "on" any site she wants, and this is not the truth. For instance, many pay sites consist of a portal allowing you to log in, and once you have done this you are able to go on the target site, not before. Supposing this was the point of your post, and you and I both know this is not the case, this would shoot down even that argument.
If there is a thin argument here, it is yours - just about every one of them, as a matter of fact.
c'mon corsair - get back in the rumble - LNWJ laid down the challenge - suit up there cowboy!
there you go again corsair - calling me a P%##y....why would you call me a Patsy? I told you I was sensitive....
No, she does not have that "Freedom", and saying it over and over again does not make it true. The lack of a grasp is not with me. And PLEASE try the spell checker or stick with simpler words - you have the "Freedom" to use it or not, but it makes you look a little silly when you post so many misspellings. I think you can probably drop the he/she thing, as well; it's likely that "sunnygirl" is female, although one never knows.
corsair, you cannot defend your arguments so you call people names. Does this make you feel better?
Akber, the self respecting thing for her to do is to bow out gracefully. That would be the best thing to do for her family. After all, she does have a child at home and as time goes by, mama Palin will hear about her daughter's inability to dance forever more.
K, everyone is beyond me here. I thought this was about Palin...
Having watched this show since season one, I believe it's not so much about the "star" factor as it is about somebody who has never danced learning to dance. Why have a show of former dancers or even performers who dance while they sing or act! Viewers relate to the dancers that are learning to dance just like they would. I don't believe there is any other explanation for Palin's success, other than people like the fact that she is getting better each week and deserves their vote. I remember the football guy Emmett Smith being rather terrible at the beginning and he won because of what everyone thought the show was about. Who learned the most? Who was the best at the end that was already a dancer or performer? Give Bristol a break, and get off the political band wagon...do you always believe the media? Think for yourself...as for shooting out your T.V. well, he is mentally ill!
Well i agree with Nancy. She has improved on each show and that is what the show is all about. A couple of the girls on there were already dancers. I think it's terrible that you judge her because she is Sarah Palins daughter. Why it is being made into a political matter ? She is just a young lady having fun in her life. I think it's great that she is talking to other young kids about not getting pregnant. She had a baby young so she knows what to say to them and they might even listen to her being that she is young too. We can at least give the poor girl credit. The man that shot his tv should go to an anger management class before he hurts somebody. I don't know why everybody hates so much. May god forgive us all.
A liberal with a gun, and crazy!? whats new! thats the demonrat way!
Nothing indicates the person's political leanings; all the trolls are out in force today!
Geez, can't a guy blow the #$#% out of his own tv anymore without the cops getting involved? I mean, what good are our 2nd amendment rights if you can't let off a little steam (and buckshot) once in a while, huh?
I agree with Bloggerrich---- Bristol was asked to go on the program, she accepted it. I don't agree with everything either[including the judge's comments] but to lose control is not necessary. They all are looking for votes, since Bristol got more votes--obviously somebody voted for her.