The Republican deputy governor of Texas has been criticized for arguing that the spread of COVID-19 is attributable to black people.
On the 20th local time, American political media The Hill reported that Texas State Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick faced backlash by appearing on Fox News the day before arguing that the number of COVID-19 cases surged because of black people who had not been vaccinated.
Lieutenant Governor Patrick said more than 90% of blacks in major cities and counties are supporters of the Democrats, claiming that "the largest population of COVID-19 patients in most states is unvaccinated African Americans."
The Hill said that a video of Vice Governor Patrick's interview was spreading through social media, causing anger among netizens.
Houston, Texas Mayor Sylvester Turner, a black man, called the remarks "offensive" and "don't pretend you didn't see it."
The Washington Post, citing recent data from the Texas Department of Health, said Lieutenant Governor Patrick "made false claims" and said that while blacks in Texas have the lowest vaccination rates, the incidence of COVID-19 is highest among whites and Hispanics.
Dr Jorge Cavaljero, a health data expert, said: "Remarks that blame racial minorities for the spread of the disease are racist.
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