Etheridge Clashes with College Student

A video of a U.S. Congressman who grabs and questions a young man with a video camera outside a fundraiser in Washington last week quickly went viral Monday, drawing a public apology from the Congressman.

The identity of the two men, who identify themselves in the video as students working on a project, is a mystery.

In the video, Rep. Bob Etheridge, D-NC, is asked by the students if he “fully supports President Obama’s agenda.” Etheridge then smacks one person’s camera down while repeatedly asking “who are you?”

Etheridge ultimately grabs the cameraman by the arm and then the neck.

“I have seen the video posted on several blogs,” said Etheridge 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.”

Read more: (Z. Byron Wolf, “Video: Congressman Clashes with College Student,” ABC’s “The Note,” 06/14/2010)