— In an interview with BBC Newsnight, Republican 9th District Congressman Robert Pittenger said protesters in Charlotte "hate white people because white people are successful and they're not."

“The grievance in their minds, the animus, the anger – they hate white people because white people are successful and they’re not,” Pittenger said when asked to describe the “grievance” of the people protesting.

North Carolina Democratic Party Director Kimberly Reynolds called Pittenger's remarks "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 too common under the party of (presidential nominee) Donald Trump. Our great state should not be represented by someone who would make such hateful comments. Congressmen Pittenger must apologize, and Governor (Pat) McCrory and every Republican leader in this state should denounce this hateful rhetoric immediately," Reynolds said.

Pittenger apologized for his remarks via Twitter Thursday night.

"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 I hope we can bring peace and calm to Charlotte," he said.

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

My intent was to discuss the lack of economic mobility for African Americans because of failed policies. — 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

On Friday, Pittenger apoligized again on CNN.

“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," he said.