Arkansas state Rep. Nate Bell, who suggested earlier today on Twitter that Bostonians are “cowering” because they lack assault rifles, and was rebuked by local City Councilor Matt O’Malley, is partially apologizing for those comments.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Bell said, “I would like to apologize to the people of Boston & Massachusetts for the poor timing of my tweet earlier this morning. As a staunch and unwavering supporter of the individual right to self defense, I expressed my point of view without thinking of its effect on those still in time of crisis. In hindsight, given the ongoing tragedy that is still unfolding, I regret the poor choice of timing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers were with the people of Boston overnight and will continue as they recover from this tragedy.”

Bell wrote on Twitter this morning, “I wonder how many Boston liberals spent the night cowering in their homes wishing they had an AR-15 with a hi-capacity magazine?”

O’Malley responded in a tweet, “You are a moron.”

More than 1,200 comments responding to Bell’s Facebook page indicate that his apology is widely not accepted. “I’m from Arkansas, and I’m disgusted by this jackass,” read one of the less profane responses.