Three days after an Internet video surfaced showing North Carolina Rep. Bob Etheridge in a physical confrontation with a young man, the lawmaker said he is "profoundly" sorry for the tussle on a Washington street.

Rep. Bob Etheridge, a Democrat, is seen in an amateur video grabbing the wrist and neck of an unidentified man after he approached the congressman and asked if he supported the "Obama agenda."

"I have seen the video posted on several blogs," Etheridge said in a statement Monday. "I deeply and profoundly regret my reaction and I apologize to all involved.

"Throughout my many years of service to the people of North Carolina, I have always tried to treat people from all viewpoints with respect. No matter how intrusive and partisan our politics can become, this does not justify a poor response. I have and I will always work to promote a civil public discourse," he said.

The video, posted to YouTube on June 11, shows the man, who appears to be in his early 20s and who identifies himself as a college student, approaching Etheridge on the sidewalk.

Etheridge is then seen trying to snatch a cell phone camera out of the student's hands. He then grabs the man's wrist and refuses to let go.

"Who are you!" the seventh-term congressman demands. "Tell me who you are ... I have a right to know who you are."

Another man, not seen on camera, then tells Etheridge, "We're just here for a project."

When the student asks Etheridge to "please let go of me," the congressman then grabs him by the neck.

In a statement Monday, National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman Jon Thompson said, "Bob Etheridge has lost it.

"His conduct is unbecoming of a member of Congress. It's bad enough that he's joined Obama's assault on North Carolina jobs, but his physical assault on a college student goes beyond the pale.”

Mike Flynn, a conservative blogger for biggovernment.com, wrote that the confrontation occurred last week outside a fundraiser headlined by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The video, which was posted to YouTube by "DCCameraGuy," does not reveal the identity of the two men.

Etheridge, who has represented North Carolina’s 2nd congressional district since 1997, is running for re-election against Republican Renee Ellmers, a registered nurse, in November. Political observers have predicted that the 68-year-old congressman will likely hold on to his seat.

Etheridge, a so-called moderate Democrat, voted in favor of President Obama's health care overhaul legislation as well as the Democrat's cap and trade bill.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/06/14/nc-congressman-physical-confrontation-students/

More Deomcratic thuggary. Hopefully this guy get's charges pressed on him and impeached.

I know if it were me and someone put their hands on my neck in an agressive manner they would be sending a letter to his mother.

i hear that...wooden coat for sure

A hostile DEMOCRAT ... ?

That's crazy talk ... they're about 'peace 'n love' ... unless they're from the Bawney Fwank School of Public Relations ...

Well anytime someones angry and geos for a throat or the neck that can be a life threatening situation.

Like I have said many time I would rather be judged by 12 then carried by 6.

For the life of me I can't understand why charges wern't pressed against this guy.

Also people need to write their congressmen to get hearing set up in this guy and his criminal act and if found guilty impeach him.

Or are part of the Gangland politics of Chicago...........

So far I have called 5 Congressman, two senators, the RNCC and the national Republican Party demanding that this is investigated in a hearing.

The House Republican Leader's Office John Boehner seem's to be already working on something regarding this. People, please call his office and demand action be taken in the House to repremand this guy includint impeachment if necessary.

Rep. Boehner's number is(202) 225-4000 and it only takes a minute or two. Even if your not in the district, he is the Republican leader of the house which means he speaks for all of us and will take our calls. Same with his Deputy Rep. Eric Cantor, he actually sounded more interested, please call him as well. 804.747-4073.

Also if you have the time call the RNCC(who also handles situations like this) 202-479-7000.

Other people I have called and would ask that you do as well.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (202) 225-4965

Rep. Steny Hoyer (202) 225-4131

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid 202-224-3542

Also please your Congressman and actually all of the Congressmen from your state. If you don't have the number's private message me I have the whole directory and will be happy to look them up for you. This wont take you more then 10 minutes to call everyone I just listed.

about as likely as the impeachment of Republican Senator Charles Bishop for assaulting another senator on the SENATE FLOOR , these things at best will end with a regular assault charge in a criminal court,,,if at all...

Fixed it Knight!

I shoulda knowed better ... mah bad ...

Actually there is a couple differences here. In Alabame it was a state official not a Congressman. Second Bishop was provoked, this ******* hear attacked a student. He could also be charged with flase inprisonment being the kid repeated several times to be let go of. Third of all anytime someone goes for the neck it becomes a lif threatening situation. If it would have been me the Governor of N.C. would be appointing a new Congressman right now.

The Banking Queen himself.

I thought it was all part of the legislative branch,,,and since when does provocation become an excuse for assault(especially verbal), this politician could use that same excuse,,,

You don't know the difference between a state senator and a Congressman?

Also there is a big difference if someone is provoked into hitting someone and violently attacking someone for asking a question.

Kinda reminds me the days of Hitler and Stalin.

I still dont understand how the law qualifies 'provoking' into violence,,,

A cop is likely not to press charges if someone is provoked.

it does?

are you seriously drawing this comparison from THIS incident?


i think there are a few million Russians and at least 6 million Jews that would tend to disagree with you on that. but it does go a long way in proving just how detached and delusional some people are.

It doesn't. An assault is an assault. It's up to the jury to decide the punishment. They make give a softer sentence if it's provoked though.