Cooper rescinds Charlotte councilwoman's appointment to civil rights board

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has canceled Charlotte City Councilwoman Lawana Mayfield's appointment to a state civil rights panel the day after Republican legislators criticized his pick because of her tweet comparing law enforcement officers to terrorists.

Mayfield reacted on social media after Cooper took back her appointment to the state Human Relations Commission.

In a series of tweets, she said, "I am so thankful for all of the support shown."

The governor made the decision Wednesday after backlash from Senate Republicans days after she was appointed. In past comments, Mayfield has called police officers "homegrown terrorists."

Past coverage:

• Charlotte councilwoman sparks controversy with tweet
• Councilwoman defends herself in tweet following speech by CMPD wife
• CMPD chief on Mayfield's controversial tweet: 'It's hard to stomach'
• City councilwoman won't resign after Facebook post questioning 9/11

Mayfield wrote last year that being black in the U.S. under President Donald Trump "has created homegrown terrorist (sic) wearing blue uniforms."

On Tuesday, state Senate Republicans asked Cooper to withdraw Mayfield's appointment, saying it raised questions about the administration's stance toward police. Cooper spokesman Ford Porter said the governor values law enforcement.

"The governor values law enforcement and recognizes that more must be done to build meaningful respect and understanding between law enforcement and communities. We do not want any appointment to divert from the work of the Human Relations Commission in promoting equity for all North Carolinians,” spokesman Jamal Little said.

Cox Media Group