Tennessee congressman faces backlash for posing with rifle in 2021 holiday card  trends now

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A Christmas card sent by a Tennessee congressman - who oversees the district where the Nashville school shooting occurred - has been unearthed in the wake of the tragedy on Monday.

Rep. Andy Ogles faced fierce backlash after saying he was 'utterly heartbroken' over the mass shooting at The Covenant School in Tennessee today - because of a controversial image of the politician bearing arms.

In 2021, the representative for Tennessee's 5th congressional district posed with his wife Monica and his three children in front of a Christmas tree,  brandishing assault rifles.

It's not clear what types of guns the family are specifically holding - but at least two in the festive photo appear to be armed with modified AR-15s.  

In the post, Ogles wrote the quote: 'The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good.'