Rep. Robert Pittenger (R-N.C.) said Thursday that violent protests that have rattled Charlotte, North Carolina, since police shot a black man to death this week are led by angry black people who hate and envy white people.

“The grievance in their mind, the animus, the anger — they hate white people because white people are successful and they’re not,” Pittenger, in a shocking display of racism, said on BBC Newsnight.

Pittenger, who once said firing gay people is a “freedom we enjoy” in America, followed up his Charlotte comment by talking about Americans’ dependence on government.

“It is a welfare state,” said Pittenger, who has represented parts of Charlotte since 2013. “We have spent trillions of dollars on welfare, but we’ve put people in bondage, so that they can’t be all that they’re 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. No, the destiny of America, the freedom to come to this country ― where they’re still coming to our shores ― is because they can take their work ethic, their hard effort, and put up their capital and their risk, and build out their lives.”

Pittenger’s remarks were excoriated on social media.

One of the most ignorant statements I have ever heard. Ashamed to have served with this fool in the #ncga. #ncpol https://t.co/nZJe6t4b69 — Rep. Grier Martin (@GrierMartin) September 22, 2016

The North Carolina Democratic Party called the congressman’s comments “inexcusable” and “blatant racism.”

“At a time when we need calm and understanding while we learn more about the shooting of Keith Lamont Scott, Congressman Robert Pittenger is fanning the flames of hate with his racist rhetoric,” state Democrats said in a statement.

“This sort of bigotry has become all too common under the party of Donald J. 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.”

In a series of posts to Twitter on Thursday evening, Pittenger did apologize.

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

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

Ongoing protests in Charlotte were sparked by Tuesday’s fatal police shooting of 43-year-old Keith Lamont Scott, who police said was armed and a threat. Scott’s family and witnesses said he was unarmed and may have been holding a book.