Update: GOP Rep. Issues Statement on 'Shoot Obama' Question -- 'Will Not be Tolerated

GOP Rep. Paul Broun (GA) just released a statement regarding the frenzy surrounding an exchange he had with a town hall attendee on Tuesday night. At the meeting, a man asked him the appalling question, "Who's going to shoot Obama?"

At the time, Broun responded by brushing the question aside and changing the subject, a move that drew criticism from many on the left.

(Read our original report on this story.)

Today, considering the frenzy, Broun released the following statement, which notes that he and his staff did notify authorities:

“Tuesday night at a town hall meeting in Oglethorpe County, Georgia an elderly man asked the abhorrent question, “Who’s going to shoot Obama?”  I was stunned by the question and chose not to dignify it with a response; therefore, at that moment I moved on to the next person with a question.  After the event, my office took action with the appropriate authorities.  I deeply regret that this incident happened at all.  Furthermore, I condemn all statements—made in sincerity or jest—that threaten or suggest the use of violence against the President of the United States or any other public official.  Such rhetoric cannot and will not be tolerated.”

Greg Sargent at the Washington Post says the Secret Service has been involved and the man regrets his actions:

According to Ed Donovan, a Secret Service spokesman, the situation has been looked into.

"We're aware of the incident and the appropriate steps were taken," Donovan told me. "At this point it's a closed matter."

A law enforcement source confirmed that the Secret Service interviewed the constituent and determined that he or she was an "elderly person" who now regrets making a bad joke.

"In this case this was poor taste," the source says. "The person realized that."

TPM interviewed the local reporter who covered the story, and that reporter described the man as a "huge fan."

The Blaze is still awaiting a response regarding follow-up questions we sent the congressman's district office.