In an interview with WBOK radio in New Orleans, Rouse co-owner Donald Rouse Sr. apologized again for attending a rally in Washington DC that ended in a deadly breach at the US Capitol.
Rouse received criticism for his attendance at a rally in DC on January 6th. A photo posted to Facebook was quickly shared, with a number of people calling for a boycott of the Rouses stores.
Rouse says that he went to DC to be a part of what he thought would be a "history in the making" moment He says he was there to hear President Trump's final speech as president.
During the interview, Rouse says he stayed for a portion of a speech and after getting cold left and went back to his hotel. He had lunch and took a nap and when he woke he saw what was going on at the capitol.
Rouse says he felt out of place as one of the only people with a mask on at the rally.
He apologized to the community and Rouse's employees who he says are the most affected by his actions.
See the full interview below.
Following the criticism over the photo, Rouse released this statement on January 7:
"I attended the rally yesterday as a supporter of the president and to be in our nation's capital at the close of his presidency. I left before the violence began and was shocked and saddened to see it unfold on TV. I condemn the actions of those who unlawfully entered and damaged our hallowed institutions and threatened our public servants. Violence and destruction do not represent our country's values, or the values of Rouses. Though I am no longer involved in the day-to-day operations of Rouses, that's my family's name on the building and my actions reflect on my family, Rouses and this community I love so dearly. I'm horrified by the violence and destruction we saw yesterday and the pain it has caused so many. Our country desperately needs to come together to heal, and I will do everything I can to be a part of that process. "
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