GOP State Rep who implied she could shoot peaceful protestors is running unopposed

A Republican state representative in Idaho is in hot water after posting a veiled threat on Facebook against four young gun control advocates.

Priscilla Giddings, who was first elected to the chamber in 2016, posted a snapshot with Idaho State University students who were holding signs related to gun safety measures, The photo was taken after Thursday's mass shooting at the Capital Gazette in Maryland, which left five dead and two injured.

In the photo, a widely-smiling Giddings has her arm around one of the girls while they look more solemn. Her caption read, "Idaho State University students peacefully protesting our Republican convention. Do you think I should show these girls the empty 30mm shell I have in the truck?"

While some have defended Giddings' comment as a joke, the statement has largely drawn ire online.

RELATED: Deadly shooting at Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis, Maryland

Giddings drew strong criticism from Facebook users, with one commenting, "So these girls are protesting legally and peacefully, you’re insulting them on social media after you pretend to nicely take a photo with them, and you’re making a tasteless joke about guns the day after a mass shooting? Just want to make sure I’m understanding this situation correctly."

Another added, "I hope I am misunderstanding something here ... A PEACEFUL. NON-VIOLENT demonstration and you think they need to see empty shells?! My first thought is what in the hell is wrong with you?!"

She is up for re-election in November and is running unopposed.