Senate Republicans Call on Gov. Cooper to Withdraw Controversial Appointment

 

Appointee described police officers as "homegrown terrorists"

 

Cooper elevated her to the Human Relations Commission

 

Raleigh, N.C. – All 29 Republican senators today sent a letter to Governor Roy Cooper calling on him to withdraw his appointment of Charlotte City Council Member LaWana Mayfield to the N.C. Human Relations Commission. Council Member Mayfield characterized police officers as "homegrown terrorists." 

 

In their letter, the senators wrote, "Council Member Mayfield called North Carolina police officers 'homegrown terrorists,' despite the assassinations of police officers around the country by actual homegrown terrorists...Do you agree that this type of violent, hateful rhetoric has no place in our political discourse, and certainly not on a commission that is intended to promote equality and justice in governmental services?"

 

The full text of the letter is copied below.

 

February 5, 2019

 

Governor Roy Cooper

20301 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, NC 27699

 

Dear Governor Cooper:

 

We write to request that you immediately withdraw your appointment of Charlotte City Council Member LaWana Mayfield to the North Carolina Human Relations Commission. We agree with the Charlotte Observer editorial board that you should not “look the other way” on this issue. 

 

Council Member Mayfield called North Carolina police officers “homegrown terrorists,” despite the assassinations of police officers around the country by actual homegrown terrorists. For example, in Dallas in 2016, Micah Xavier Johnson slaughtered five police officers in a targeted ambush. It was the deadliest day for law enforcement since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks – attacks which, sadly, Council Member Mayfield apparently believes were a conspiracy that may not have involved airplanes at all.

 

Do you agree that this type of violent, hateful rhetoric has no place in our political discourse, and certainly not on a commission that is intended to promote equality and justice in governmental services?

 

On November 8, 2018, you honored first responders who risked everything to save lives during and after Hurricane Florence. Just four weeks later, you elevated Council Member Mayfield to the Human Relations Commission despite her vitriolic attacks on the very men and women you thanked. 

 

The type of inflammatory rhetoric that Council Member Mayfield used to denigrate police officers makes their jobs even less safe. Your elevation of Council Member Mayfield to this commission raises questions about your administration’s stance toward law enforcement. Please send a strong message of support to North Carolina’s first responders – the men and women who protect our families and yours – by withdrawing Council Member Mayfield’s appointment. 

 

Sincerely,