North Carolina Congressman Apologizes for Saying Charlotte Protesters "Hate White People"

North Carolina Rep. Robert Pittenger apologizes for saying Charlotte protesters "hate white people."

North Carolina Rep. Robert Pittenger
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Republican North Carolina Rep. Robert Pittenger apologizes for Charlotte protesters remark.

North Carolina Rep. Robert Pittenger

Discussing the second night of Keith Lamont Scott protests in Charlotte where a protester was shot and later died, North Carolina Rep. Robert Pittenger said protesters "hate white people because white people are successful and they're not." As Mother Jonesnotes, part of Pittinger's district includes Charlotte.

The GOP congressman made the remarks on BBC's "Newsnight" after being asked what the protesters' grievances were. Pittinger said, "The grieving in their mind is the animus, the anger," because white people. From there, Pittinger blamed the "welfare state." "We've put people in bondage so that they can't be all that they’re capable of being," he explained.

Protesters in #Charlotte "hate white people" - North Carolina Congressman Pittenger tells #newsnight https://t.co/q6ELYD01QV

Pittinger has since apologized for the comments and to anyone offended by the comments. Pittinger said he wanted to "discuss the lack of economic mobility for African-Americans because of failed policies."

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
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
My intent was to discuss the lack of economic mobility for African Americans because of failed policies.
I apologize to those I offended and hope we can bring peace and calm to Charlotte.

Last month, GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump unleashed similar rhetoric about the black community when he said: "What do you have to lose by trying something new, like Trump? What do you have to lose? You're living in poverty. Your schools are no good. You have no jobs. 58 percent of your youth is unemployed. What the hell do you have to lose?" Trump more or less said the same thing on Tuesday in North Carolina, of all places. Trump said black communities "are in the worst shape that they've ever been in before."

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