Primus Video Pisses Off Rifle-Toting Mom, Shoots Family TV

By Selena Fragassi in News on Mar 12, 2015 5:35PM

The good news is that some networks are still showing music videos these days. The bad news is that a certain video allegedly set off an Algonquin, Illinois mother, who took a rifle to her family’s 50-inch flat screen television after seeing her kids glued to a Primus music video.

On Monday, 40-year-old Jennifer Ullery pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the January 20 incident, including felony reckless discharge of a firearm and misdemeanor counts of child endangerment and possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card, according to court records.

Ullery fired “multiple rounds” with a Ruger .22 long rifle as her children sat on the couch in front of the TV. “Mom didn’t say anything, she just walked into the room and started shooting,” said Algonquin Deputy Police Chief Andrew Doles. Ullery stated she was upset with the amount of time her children were spending watching television and the type of content they absorbed.

Authorities were notified of the shot-out TV after DCFS performed a well-being check on Ullery’s three children, ages 6, 11 and 15. No injuries were reported and the mother was taken into custody without incident while the children were placed with another family member as she awaits trial. Her next court date is April 20.

The news story elicited a response from Primus’ Les Claypool who told Relix magazine, “It doesn't surprise me, I've been tempted to shoot at the TV when our videos come on as well. Especially that damn Beaver vid."

Ullery must have missed the news that the band has now gone kid-friendly with their new Primus & the Chocolate Factory project, that has them recreating the beloved Willy Wonka soundtrack in their own funk metal style. That special show, complete with costumes and “Primus Bars,” comes to Chicago Theatre on April 10. Hopefully these kids find a way to sneak in.