Georgia Rep. Doug Collins apologized for claiming that Democrats love terrorists following the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
The congressman made the statement on Wednesday night after House Democrats moved to limit President Trump with a war powers resolution. He told Fox Business: “I didn’t think she could become more hypocritical than she was during impeachment, but guess what, surprise surprise, Nancy Pelosi does it again, and her Democrats fall right in line. One, they’re in love with terrorists, we see that, they mourn Soleimani more than they mourn our Gold Star families who are the ones who suffered under Soleimani. That’s a problem.”
His remark outraged many, including Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth, who lost her legs while deployed in the Middle East. She ripped Collins, telling CNN, “I’m not going to dignify that with a response. I left parts of my body in Iraq fighting terrorists. I don’t need to justify myself to anyone.”
On Friday morning, Collins posted an apology to Twitter, writing: “Let me be clear: I do not believe Democrats are in love with terrorists, and I apologize for what I said earlier this week.”
Let me be clear: I do not believe Democrats are in love with terrorists, and I apologize for what I said earlier this week. (1/5)
— Rep. Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) January 10, 2020
Collins explained that he served in Iraq in 2008 and saw the violence that was caused by leaders such as Soleimani. He noted that his past experience “does not excuse” his harsh comments toward Democrats.
“As someone who served in Iraq in 2008, I witnessed firsthand the brutal death of countless soldiers who were torn to shreds by this vicious terrorist. Soleimani was nothing less than an evil mastermind who viciously killed and wounded thousands of Americans,” Collins wrote. “These images will live with me for the rest of my life, but that does not excuse my response on Wednesday evening.”
As someone who served in Iraq in 2008, I witnessed firsthand the brutal death of countless soldiers who were torn to shreds by this vicious terrorist. Soleimani was nothing less than an evil mastermind who viciously killed and wounded thousands of Americans. (3/5)
— Rep. Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) January 10, 2020
I remain committed to working with my colleagues in Congress and with my fellow citizens to keep all Americans safe. (5/5)
— Rep. Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) January 10, 2020
Collins, 53, has been one of Trump’s closest allies in the House throughout the impeachment process. He is the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee.
