U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger apologized Thursday for telling a BBC interviewer that the Charlotte protesters and rioters are angry because “white people are successful and they’re not.”
Mr. Pittenger, whose district includes parts of Charlotte and its suburbs, was asked on “BBC Newsnight” what grievances the demonstrators have.
“The grievance in their mind is the animus, the anger,” the Republican said. “They hate white people because white people are successful and they’re not.
“I mean, yes, it is, it is a welfare state,” he continued. “We have spent trillions of dollars on welfare, but we’ve put people in bondage so that they can’t be all that they are capable of being. America is a country of opportunity and freedom and liberty. It didn’t become that way because of a great government who provided everything for everyone.”
Mr. Pittenger’s comments drew outrage on social media and were labeled racist by North Carolina Democratic Party Executive Director Kimberly Reynolds.
He later released a statement apologizing for what he said.
“What is taking place in my hometown right now breaks my heart,” he wrote. “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 protesters 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 that we can bring peace and calm to Charlotte.”
Mr. Pittenger, who endorsed Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in May, also appeared on CNN Thursday night to explain his position.
“When you look, frankly, at the last eight years of the current economy, the demographic group who has moved the least up the economic ladder are low income, minority people and that’s the reality, that’s a fact,” he told CNN’s Don Lemon.
Protesters gathered peacefully on the streets of Charlotte Thursday night, following two nights of violence that injured police officers, damaged property, and led to one shooting death.
Justin Carr, 26, was shot by another civilian during the riots Wednesday night, police said. He died of his wounds in the hospital Thursday.
The protests stemmed from the fatal shooting of a black man by a black police officer Tuesday. Police say Keith Lamont Scott, 43, was brandishing a handgun and refused orders to drop the weapon before he was shot.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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