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NEW YORK ( WPIX) -- New York Congressman Charles Rangel issued an apology Monday for comments he made, suggesting even President Barack Obama isn't safe on the city streets, after a black cop was fatally shot by a fellow white officer in East Harlem.
Rangel made the remarks during a public appearance on Saturday when he was asked by a newspaper reporter what advice he would give the President during his visit to the city.
"Make certain he doesn't run around in East Harlem unidentified," said Rangel. "There's no question that being of color puts you in jeopardy in communities like Harlem and East Harlem."
The remark drew ire from several city officials, including Mayor Bloomberg.
In a statement issued today, the Democratic Congressman said, "It was entirely inappropriate to bring the President and his wife into this discussion during their visit to New York." He goes on to say, "I hope my off-the-cuff comment did not cause embarrassment to anyone."
25-year-old Omar Edwards, a two-year veteran of the police force, was killed Thursday night after fellow officer Andrew Dunton mistook him for an armed criminal and fired his gun six times. Edwards was hit three times. It wasn't until paramedics arrived on the scene and cut through Edwards' bloodied clothes, that they realized the dying man was actually a member of New York's Finest.
Rangel is continuing to urge Attorney General Eric Holder to review situations in the NYPD "when it seems black officers are killed by whites, which too often is the case." He is also pushing for additional training for cops.
Rangel made the remarks during a public appearance on Saturday when he was asked by a newspaper reporter what advice he would give the President during his visit to the city.
"Make certain he doesn't run around in East Harlem unidentified," said Rangel. "There's no question that being of color puts you in jeopardy in communities like Harlem and East Harlem."
The remark drew ire from several city officials, including Mayor Bloomberg.
In a statement issued today, the Democratic Congressman said, "It was entirely inappropriate to bring the President and his wife into this discussion during their visit to New York." He goes on to say, "I hope my off-the-cuff comment did not cause embarrassment to anyone."
25-year-old Omar Edwards, a two-year veteran of the police force, was killed Thursday night after fellow officer Andrew Dunton mistook him for an armed criminal and fired his gun six times. Edwards was hit three times. It wasn't until paramedics arrived on the scene and cut through Edwards' bloodied clothes, that they realized the dying man was actually a member of New York's Finest.
Rangel is continuing to urge Attorney General Eric Holder to review situations in the NYPD "when it seems black officers are killed by whites, which too often is the case." He is also pushing for additional training for cops.
