HANOVER COUNTY, Va. — Virginia Delegate Hyland “Buddy” Fowler Jr. (R – HANOVER) issued an apology after he shared a Facebook photo about the recent Baltimore riots that was deemed “insensitive” and “racist” by Democrats. News of the image was first reported by Blue Virginia, a political website popular among Democrats.
“I took the post down. It was not very thoughtful and I apologize to anyone who was offended by it,” Fowler, who represents parts of Hanover, Caroline and Spotsylvania counties, said. “The situation in Baltimore is difficult and complicated and comments like that don’t help. I hope people understand I didn’t mean anything by it, that it was just a mistake.”
State Democratic leaders and Fowler’s political opponent seized the opportunity condemn Fowler’s social media actions.
“I am dismayed and, frankly, disgusted, by Del. Fowler’s posting. I don’t know whether he thinks it is a joke or funny, but what I do know is that it is insensitive, unhelpful and in total disregard for the difficult situation facing the citizens of Baltimore and, honestly, the public safety officers,” Virginia State Senator Donald McEachin (D – HENRICO) said in a statement.
McEachin, who said he was “disgusted beyond words” said Fowler’s “complete apologetic retraction” would only begin to heal the salt he has poured on legitimate wounds.
Democrat Toni Radler, Fowler’s potential opponent in the November election, called on Fowler to “do more offer a boilerplate apology.”
69th District House of Delegates candidate Preston Brown called into question Fowler’s assertion that the posting was a mistake.
“It was not a mistake. He posted it intentionally,” Brown wrote in a statement. “It was totally inappropriate and unconscionable for a member of the House of Delegates to post a racist picture of that nature. As an elected official he not only represents himself but he represents the citizens of those great counties.”
Fowler was first elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2013.
“I believe that it is vitally important for elected officials to listen to the people they represent. Over the last two years, I have spent four or five nights a week attending as many meetings, gatherings, church services, clubs, and local events as possible. It is my utmost desire to represent every constituent of the 55th House District equally,” Fowler wrote in February when he announced he plans to seek reelection. “We may not always agree on every issue, but I believe it is important to treat every constituent with respect, openness and honesty.”
