Robert Pittenger, a Republican congressman who represents part of the Charlotte area, said in a TV interview on Thursday that protestors "hate white people because white people are successful and they're not." Pittenger, 68, was speaking to a reporter for BBC Newsnight at the time of his ignorant statements.
Protesters in #Charlotte"hate white people" - North Carolina Congressman Pittenger tells #newsnighthttps://t.co/q6ELYD01QV
— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) September 22, 2016
Pittenger rescinded his statements and apologized only a few hours after the comments were made. In an attempt to explain himself, he took to Twitter and claimed that his "anguish" about the Charlotte protests prompted him to respond to a question "in a way that I regret."
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
I apologize to those I offended and hope we can bring peace and calm to Charlotte.
— Rep Robert Pittenger (@reppittenger) September 22, 2016
So, what exactly was Pittenger's intent? According to another tweet by the congressman, he was trying to "discuss the lack of economic mobility for African Americans because of failed policies." Hm.
Pittenger is being condemned by many people, including two other state legislators and the North Carolina Democratic Party.
.@reppittenger, your hateful and divisive rhetoric is exceedingly disappointing. Your constituents deserve better. #ncpolpic.twitter.com/1OdfwEZTGr
— G. K. Butterfield (@GKButterfield) September 22, 2016
One of the most ignorant statements I have ever heard. Ashamed to have served with this fool in the #ncga. #ncpolhttps://t.co/nZJe6t4b69
— Rep. Grier Martin (@GrierMartin) September 22, 2016
In a statement released on Facebook, the North Carolina Democratic Party called Pittenger's comments inexcusable.
Pittenger went back on TV Thursday night to defuse the criticism, but it seems like the damage has already been done.