Christopher Mele, New York Times, September 23, 2016

A United States representative from North Carolina said in a television interview on Thursday that protesters in Charlotte “hate white people because white people are successful and they’re not,” and then hours later recanted and apologized.

The representative, Robert Pittenger, a Republican whose district includes parts of Charlotte, was interviewed on a British Broadcasting Corporation show, BBC Newsnight, when he made the comment.

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Within hours, Mr. Pittenger, 68, apologized and tried to explain himself in a series of posts on Twitter. He said his “anguish” about what was happening in Charlotte prompted him to respond to a question “in a way that I regret.”

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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

I apologize to those I offended and hope we can bring peace and calm to Charlotte. — 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

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