Story highlights Filmmaker Michael Moore tweets he was taught snipers were "cowards"

Moore's statement comes the same weekend "American Sniper" broke box office records

"American Sniper" earned six Oscar nominations, including best picture

(CNN) Documentary filmmaker Michael Moore pronounced that "snipers aren't heroes" in a tweet on Sunday as "American Sniper," the Oscar-nominated biopic of a former Navy SEAL and sharpshooter, won the weekend box office.

The "Fahrenheit 9/11" and "Bowling for Columbine" director later expanded on his remarks, saying: "But if you're on the roof of your home defending it from invaders who've come 7K miles, you are not a sniper, u are brave, u are a neighbor."

My uncle killed by sniper in WW2. We were taught snipers were cowards. Will shoot u in the back. Snipers aren't heroes. And invaders r worse — Michael Moore (@MMFlint) January 18, 2015

But if you're on the roof of your home defending it from invaders who've come 7K miles, you are not a sniper, u are brave, u are a neighbor. — Michael Moore (@MMFlint) January 19, 2015

Moore has long been a staunch advocate for stricter gun control laws in the U.S., and his statements are known to court controversy.

His latest comments quickly prompted backlash. Former U.S. House speaker and CNN contributor Newt Gingrich invited Moore to spend some time with terrorist cells overseas, then weigh in on the value of snipers.

Michael Moore should spend a few weeks with ISIS and Boko Haram. Then he might appreciate@AmericanSniper. I am proud of our defenders. — Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) January 19, 2015

People, please ignore Michael Moore. He's been trolling since before the term was coined. This is the same guy who thought OJ was innocent. — Jonah Goldberg (@JonahNRO) January 18, 2015

The movie, starring Bradley Cooper and directed by Clint Eastwood, earned $105 million in weekend ticket sales and nabbed six Academy Award nominations last week, including best picture. The box office take trumped previous records for a January opening and is expected to grow on Monday as moviegoers enjoy another day off for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.

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