BBC/Twitter
© 2024 Blaze Media LLC. All rights reserved.
North Carolina congressman apologizes for saying Charlotte protesters 'hate white people
September 22, 2016
"What is taking place in my hometown right now breaks my heart."
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (TheBlaze/AP) — A Republican congressman who represents the Charlotte area apologized Thursday evening for saying people are protesting in the city because they "hate white people."
U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger, whose district includes parts of Charlotte and its suburbs, was asked by an interviewer for Britain's "BBC Newsnight" what grievance the protesters have.
Protesters in #Charlotte "hate white people" - North Carolina Congressman Pittenger tells #newsnight https://t.co/q6ELYD01QV
— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) September 22, 2016
In the video posted online Thursday, Pittenger responded: "The grievance in their mind is — the animus, the anger — they hate white people because white people are successful and they're not."
He also complained that the government has spent too much on welfare programs that ultimately hold people back.
He later released a statement apologizing for his comments, which were condemned by his Democratic counterparts.
"What is taking place in my hometown right now breaks my heart. My anguish led me to respond to a reporter's question in a way that I regret," he said in his apology statement.
What is taking place in my hometown breaks my heart. Today, my anguish led me to respond to a reporter's question in a way that I regret
— Rep Robert Pittenger (@reppittenger) September 22, 2016
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
Protesters massed on the Charlotte's streets for a third night Thursday, though the demonstrations were peaceful. Two previous nights included chaotic protests that damaged property, injured people and led to one death.
The protests stemmed from the shooting of a black man by a police officer Tuesday.
The North Carolina Democratic Party released a statement saying Pittenger's remarks were inexcusable and accused him of "fanning the flames of hate with his racist rhetoric."
Pittenger, who was first elected to his seat in 2012, won a razor-thin Republican primary this year after a recount, and he faces a Democratic challenger in the November election. His largely affluent district was redrawn under court-ordered redistricting and now includes poorer areas along the South Carolina border.
—
Want to leave a tip?
We answer to you. Help keep our content free of advertisers and big tech censorship by leaving a tip today.
Want to join the conversation?
Already a subscriber?
more stories
Sign up for the Blaze newsletter
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content that may sometimes include advertisements. You may opt out at any time.
© 2024 Blaze Media LLC. All rights reserved.
Get the stories that matter most delivered directly to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content that may sometimes include advertisements. You may opt out at any time.