Rocky Mount Today

North Carolina's Republican lieutenant governor blamed the Democratic governor for looting and rioting that recently took place at the State Capitol grounds in Raleigh. 

Lt. Gov. Dan Forest June 20 comments on Facebook come as communities nationwide rally against social injustice and for greater racial equality following the death of a Black man at the hands of a now-ex white Minneapolis police officer. At times, however, some of those protests have seen violence and looting, including in Raleigh. The former Minneapolis Derek Chauvin has since been charged with murder. Three other now-former officers were also charged. 

"North Carolinians should be shocked by the utter lawlessness that occurred in downtown Raleigh once again last night [June 19], this time on the State Capitol grounds," Forest said in his Facebook post. "While Gov. Cooper shifted blame when our cities were looted and buildings were damaged, he has no excuses this time."

Forest, though made his statement against Cooper in his official capacity as the lieutenant governor, is running for governor against Cooper.

"Last night’s destruction occurred on state property, right next to his office," Forest said in the post. "It is clear that Gov. Cooper is either incapable of upholding law and order, or worse, encouraging this behavior. The essence of a free society is the rule of law. When our elected leaders turn a blind eye to chaos, destruction and disorder, society begins to unravel."