Commence backpedaling! Baltimore mayor ‘clarifies’ remark calling #FreddieGray rioters ‘thugs’

I wanted to clarify my comments on "thugs." When you speak out of frustration and anger, one can say things in a way that you don't mean.

— Mayor Rawlings-Blake (@MayorSRB) April 29, 2015

That night we saw misguided young people who need to be held accountable, but who also need support. And my comments then didn't convey that

— Mayor Rawlings-Blake (@MayorSRB) April 29, 2015

Boy, she sure has a hard time saying what she means. pic.twitter.com/N828ZeQAKh

— BT (@back_ttys) April 29, 2015

@back_ttys @redsteeze Must not have had time for basic English between classes in fit-throwing & bedwetting at Oberlin.

— Farbrook (@dutchindian) April 29, 2015

oh lord, now she's taking that back. When will Obama? RT @MomMilkshake: and off we go…. https://t.co/q2iB62C7Ms

— Prudence Paine (@PruPaine) April 29, 2015

You should probably thank @LarryHogan for stepping in and stopping the violence so you could take time to apologize. https://t.co/bVnAfQfEJu

— RB (@RBPundit) April 29, 2015

The mayor ran afoul of the outrage police. What happened next… https://t.co/yWJ4wifpiU #EndofDiscussion

— Gabriel Malor (@gabrielmalor) April 29, 2015

She meant it. Now just covering herself. I call them thugs. It is ok to be human, Mayor. Thugs do not vote anyway https://t.co/BgglUtcgeu

— Courtney (@staskosgirl) April 29, 2015

She’s sure doing a lot of clarifying. Must’ve had the same public speaking coach as @BrookeBCNN https://t.co/aRSZDIlLjG h/t @exjon

— demonsheep (@demonsheep) April 29, 2015

don't backpedal now, miss ma'am. https://t.co/vQ4RhXnjUm

— Chillyoncé (@such_A_frknlady) April 29, 2015

I don't think you need to apologize. Those destroying your city were thugs. Say it and own it. https://t.co/Tw5qYbxK1N

— Todd (@DCToddM) April 29, 2015