MILWAUKEE (AP) – Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson is considered racist for an interview in which the White Republican said he was not concerned about President Donald Trump’s predominantly white supporters during the deadly insurrection at the Capitol, but that there could be had if they had been Black Lives Matter protesters.
In an interview Thursday with a syndicated radio host Joe Pagliarulo, Johnson, said of those who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 to try to prevent Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s election victory: “I knew those people who love this country, who truly respect the forces of the ‘order, they would never do anything to break the law, so I didn’t worry.’
“Now, if the tables had turned and Joe (that would cause me trouble), if the tables had turned and President Trump had won the election and tens of thousands of Black Lives Matter and antifa, maybe it would have been a bit concerned, “Johnson said, referring to far-left protesters known as anti-fascists who resist neo-Nazis and white supremacists in demonstrations and other events.
Five people died during the assault at the Capitol, including a police officer, and 140 officers were injured. The insurrection also caused widespread damage and led to the call of National Guard troops to restore order. More than 300 Trump supporters have been charged with assaulting the building, including members of far-right extremist groups.
Johnson’s comments sparked outrage among Wisconsin Democrats, including state Sen. LaTonya Johnson of Milwaukee.
“For him to say something as racist as that is ridiculous,” said the state senator, who is black. “It’s a totally racist comment and the insult to the injury is that he didn’t mind saying it in the position he holds because, for some reason, it’s only considered acceptable behavior for people who live and are elected in that state. “.
Ron Johnson told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel who made the comment because many of last summer’s protests over George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis turned violent and caused general damage to property. Riots in the days following the death of a black man handcuffed on May 25 while in police custody caused extensive damage to cities across the country, about $ 500 million at Minneapolis-St. Paul’s area alone.
“That’s why I would have been more concerned,” Johnson said in a statement.
Democrats looking for the two-term senator next year were quick to call him.
“Ron Johnson is racist and unfit to serve the people of Wisconsin. There is no lack of context here. I knew what he was saying, I knew I shouldn’t say it, but that’s who he is, ”said Alex Lasry, a Milwaukee Bucks executive.
Tom Nelson, the Outagamie County executive who is also seeking the Democratic candidacy, said Johnson has reached “a new despicable minimum” with his comments.