John Fetterman explains the meanings behind his tattoos: 'I get that etching art permanently onto your body isn't how most politicians would express their connection to their communities'

John Fetterman responded to Tucker Carlson's comments about him in an NBC News op-ed.

Fetterman's op-ed highlighted a portion from Carlson's rant where he said: "All your stupid little fake tattoos, it's a costume, of course." It isn't real. Carlson said Fetterman wasn't being tough on crime.

Fetterman said that gun violence and violent crime are real to people in towns such as Braddock.

Fetterman said he tattooed nine dates on his arm to represent the violent deaths that occurred during his time as mayor, including the death of a toddler who was sexually abused and left to die in the snow and a man who was fatally shot while delivering pizzas.

They aren't a costume. He said that they are reminders of what he is fighting for.

Fetterman is trying to win a seat in the US Senate.

Fetterman said that etching art permanently onto your body isn't how most politicians express their connection to their communities.

"My decision to mark these deaths with tattoos was inspired by the fact that my town will be with me for the rest of my life," he said.