SC Lawmaker Apologizes for Saying Charleston Victims ‘Waited Their Turn to Be Shot’

State Rep. William Chumley told CNN on Tuesday that not only was he opposed to the removal of the Confederate battle flag from the South Carolina State House, but that the media was focusing on the wrong issue. “These people sat in there and waited their turn to be shot,” Chumley said. “Somebody in there with the means of self-defense could have stopped this.”

After receiving criticism from those saying that Chumley was blaming the victims, the lawmaker released a statement on Wednesday stating that he regretted the impression his words had.

My view, which I was clumsily trying to express, was that it is painfully regrettable that someone was not able to intervene in this demented killer’s life to stop him,” said Chumley. “The responsibility for the despicable murders in Charleston rests solely on the murderer. If any of my remarks suggested differently, I am deeply sorry.”

Chumley said in his interview with Drew Griffin that he voted against removing the Capitol flag despite both nationwide criticism and Gov. Nikki Haley’s conference. He attribute the racist perceptions of the Confederate flag to “miseducation” and asked “Why didn’t somebody, why didn’t somebody just do something” during Dylann Roof‘s rampage.

Chumley finished his interview by casting the flag debate to the constituents, saying “It stays there until the people of South Carolina say it should come down.”

You can watch Chumley’s interview here, via CNN:

[h/t Post and Courier]
[Image via Screengrab]

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!