NC Congressman says Charlotte protesters “hate white people”

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

— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) September 22, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The North Carolina Democratic party is speaking out after Rep. Robert Pittenger made controversial comments Thursday while being interviewed by the BBC about the violent protests in Charlotte.

He was asked why he believes people are protesting in Charlotte.

“The grieving in their mind is the animus, the anger, they hate White people because White people are successful and they’re not. Yes it is, it is a welfare state. We have trillions of dollars on welfare and we’ve put people in bondage so they can’t be all they’re capable of being,” says Pittenger.

NCDP Executive Director Kimberly Reynolds released this statement:

“These comments are inexcusable. At a time when we need calm and understanding while we learn more about the shooting of Keith Lamont Scott, Congressman Pittenger is fanning the flames of hate with his racist rhetoric. This sort of bigotry has become all to common under the party of Donald Trump. Our great state should not be represented by someone who would make such hateful comments. Congressmen Pittenger must apologize, and Governor McCrory and every Republican leader in this state should denounce this hateful rhetoric immediately.” — NCDP Executive Director Kimberly Reynolds

Pittenger realized one of his answers had caused offense and released this statement:

“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. The answer doesn’t reflect who I am. I was quoting statements made by angry protestors last night on national TV. 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.”

Click here to watch  the full interview.