North Carolina Congressman Robert Pittenger quickly tried to dig himself out of the hole he got himself into Thursday (Sept. 22) when he associated the grief of protesters to what he believes is their “hate for white people.”
“[They] hate white people because white people are successful and they’re not,” the GOP Congressman said. However, sensing that his choice of words weren’t the best, he later backtracked and apologized to anyone he may have offended.
Protesters in #Charlotte “hate white people” – North Carolina Congressman Pittenger tells #newsnight https://t.co/q6ELYD01QV
— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) September 22, 2016
“What is taking place in my hometown is breaking my heart,” Pittenger tweeted. “Today my anguish led me to respond to a reporter’s question in a way that I regret. “
Check out the rest of his apology below.
My answer to BBC doesn’t reflect who I am. I was quoting statements made by angry protesters last night on national TV. Not my intent
— Rep Robert Pittenger (@reppittenger) September 22, 2016
My intent was to discuss the lack of economic mobility for African Americans because of failed policies.
— Rep Robert Pittenger (@reppittenger) September 22, 2016
I apologize to those I offended and hope we can bring peace and calm to Charlotte.
— Rep Robert Pittenger (@reppittenger) September 22, 2016
The two nights of protests in North Carolina erupted after the shooting death of Keith L Scott by a member of law enforcement. Scott’s family underwent the heart-wrenching task of watching video of his last moments, and are now in a tug-of-war with police. They believe the video should be released, the police department does not.
Scott’s death came days after Terence Crutcher’s killing in Tulsa Oklahoma where surveillance footage from a helicopter and a dashcam showed officer Betty Shelby shooting and killing the 40 year old despite his hands being in the air. Shelby has since been charged with first-degree manslaughter.
At the time of this post, the mayor of Charlotte has put in place a 12AM to 6AM curfew as a response to the protests that have taken place.