In a tweet that elicited a lot of public head-scratching, Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., on Monday tried to draw some sort of connection between San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and the suspect behind this weekend’s bombings in New York City and New Jersey.

Asked to explain, Zeldin wrote in an email to The Intercept: “This is that moment in time that reminds us exactly of why we are so blessed to have men and women in our military, law enforcement, and other first responders [sic] who would risk their lives and lay it all on the line to protect our freedoms and liberties.”

He continued: “I’m insulted and disgusted when someone refuses to say the pledge or stand for the national anthem. That is their right of free speech and this is mine. I’m so grateful that we have our nation’s protectors to do what they do and do it so well.”

Kaepernick has become a hugely controversial figure by refusing to stand for the National Anthem: “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” he said.

It’s not the first time that Zeldin has voiced his disdain for Kaepernick. He also did so in August: