CNN Anchor Apologizes for Praising Gunman That Shot at Dallas Police Headquarters [VIDEO]

CNN anchor Fredricka Whitfield Monday apologized for comments she made during coverage of last weekend's shooting at Dallas police headquarters.

Whitfield said on-air: “I misspoke terribly. I misused those words terribly. And I sincerely apologize for making this statement, and I understand now how offensive it was, and I want to reiterate that in no way do I believe the gunman was courageous or brave. I sincerely apologize.”

Last Saturday during CNN's coverage of the shooting, Whitfield had described the shooter "courageous" and "brave" while discussing the attack.

Even after the apology, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick called for CNN executives to dismiss Whitfield.

“Today I sent a letter to CNN president Jeffrey Zucker, calling for the immediate resignation of CNN host Fredricka Whitfield for her appalling comments about the shooting at the Dallas Police Department Headquarters this weekend,” said Patrick.

The complete text of Lt. Governor Patrick's letter can be read below:

June 15, 2015

Mr. Jeffrey Zucker
President of CNN Worldwide
One CNN Center
Atlanta, GA 30303

RE: CNN Host Fredricka Whitfield’s comments

Mr. Zucker,

On June 13, CNN News host Fredricka Whitfield said the gunman that opened fire at the Dallas Police Headquarters and planted pipe bombs, was “courageous” and “brave” for his actions. I was shocked and appalled to hear her words. There is no excuse for anyone in any position, especially someone in the position as a news host on a national broadcast, to give praise to a person who deliberately planned to kill law enforcement officers.

In Texas, we have the highest respect for our police officers who risk their lives every day for our safety. Our police are the ones who are brave and courageous, not the man who tried to kill them. Law enforcement officials in Texas and across the nation are outraged by the fact that a CNN news host would insult the men and women who demonstrate real courage and real bravery by praising those who attempt to kill them.

Ms. Whitfield has since said she misspoke. Any fair analysis of her words make clear she did not misspeak. Her words were clearly what she meant to say. She still has not apologized.

Her shameful remarks are not acceptable in Texas or anywhere else in this nation. As Lt. Governor of the state of Texas I am calling for CNN to remove Fredricka Whitfield as news host immediately and permanently. In addition, I’m asking for you, on behalf of CNN, to offer a written apology to the Dallas Police Department, all law enforcement officers everywhere and to the people of Texas for Ms. Whitfield’s appalling remarks. What she said is not only inexcusable, but it demonstrates a complete lack of respect to our men and women in uniform. I await your apology on behalf of CNN and your action regarding Ms. Whitfield.

Respectfully,

Dan Patrick
Lt. Governor of Texas