Missouri GOP Candidate Sparks Controversy by Burning LGBTQ-Inclusive Books

Missouri GOP candidate Valentina Gomez released a viral campaign video in which she used a flamethrower to burn books she claimed were "grooming, indoctrinating, and sexualizing" children. The video, which has garnered over 1 million views, featured her burning two controversial books and vowing to do the same to others if elected as secretary of state. This action is part of a broader push in red states, including Missouri, to challenge or remove books considered inappropriate for children from school libraries.