Bernie Sanders: Black Lives Matter Apology Letter Was Sent by Campaign Staff, 'Without My Knowledge’
During an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press," Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said he did not send an apology email to Black Lives Matter activists and instead admitted that he believes an apology is unnecessary.
Within the last two months, Black Lives Matter protesters have interrupted two of Sanders' campaign rallies and criticized him for not being vocal about racial injustice. Following the interactions, the Sanders campaign asked to meet with Black Lives Matter activists in Washington, D.C.
Last week, BuzzFeed News also reported that the 2016 Democratic presidential candidate apologized and that it took his campaign "so long to officially reach out" to the activists. However, on Sunday, Sanders clarified that he did not authorize the apology letter and that it was sent without his knowledge.
"That was sent out by a staffer, not by me," said Sanders.
"Look, we are reaching out to all kinds of groups. Absolutely I met with folks at Black Lives Matter. We're reaching out to Latino groups. We're reaching out to the unions," Sanders continued.
"But on this issue of Black Lives Matter, let me be very clear. The issue that they are raising is a very, very important issue. And there is no candidate for president who would be stronger in fighting against institutional racism, and by the way, reforming a broken criminal justice system," said the Vermont senator.
In response, "Meet the Press" moderator Chuck Todd pressed the 2016 hopeful, saying, "You said a staffer put it out, but you felt an apology was necessary?"
"No, I don't. I think we're going to be working with all groups. This was sent out without my knowledge," said Sanders about the letter, which was sent out by his campaign outreach director, Marcus Ferrell.
Watch the video below:
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