Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-NC) has released a statement apologizing for his actions in a video that shows him roughing up a young man on the street.
“I deeply and profoundly regret my reaction and I apologize to all involved,” Etheridge said.
The video, produced by the Stage Right Show, which is affiliated with Andrew Breitbart’s Big Government project, shows Etheridge getting uncomfortably rough with a young man who claims to be a college student.
The young man appears to approach Etheridge on the street and asks him questions about his support for President Obama. Then things go downhill.
Watch the video here.
Here’s the full statement:
Washington, DC, Jun 14 - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) released the following statement on the viral video which appeared on the internet today:“I have seen the video posted on several blogs. I deeply and profoundly regret my reaction and I apologize to all involved. Throughout my many years of service to the people of North Carolina, I have always tried to treat people from all viewpoints with respect. No matter how intrusive and partisan our politics can become, this does not justify a poor response. I have and I will always work to promote a civil public discourse.”
Late Update: Etheridge later apologized at a news conference. Watch:
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