LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts apologized after an Omaha pastor accused the governor Monday of using the phrase “you people” during a meeting with local black leaders.
Ricketts said in a statement that he chose his words poorly and apologized when it became apparent that he had caused offense.
Pastor Jarrod Parker of St. Mark’s Baptist Church criticized the governor in a Facebook live post on Monday after he walked out of the meeting.
Parker said he was invited to the gathering with Ricketts, city officials and local black pastors and leaders. He said the group discussed the killing of James Scurlock, a black man who was fatally shot by a white bar owner during the George Floyd protests.
Parker said Ricketts used the phrase “the problem I have with you people” during one exchange. The term is often considered offensive because it implies the “you” is different or less than others.
Parker later said he doesn’t regret the video, but understands that people make mistakes.
Ricketts has supported peaceful protests against the now-fired Minneapolis police officer who pushed a knee into Floyd’s neck. Floyd died at the scene.
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