Add CategoryAN AMERICAN ‘expert’ on terrorism has apologised for describing Birmingham as a “Muslim-only city†and claiming “Muslim religious police†stalked the streets of London beating up “anyone who doesn’t dress according to Muslim, religious Muslim attireâ€.
Steven Emerson, the founder of an outfit called The Investigative Group on Terrorism, was giving his two cents on the attacks in France to Fox News anchor Jenine Pirro.
“Heavy traffic reported in Birmingham todayâ€, smirked @Chris_Wilde. Source: Supplied
He later apologised for his “mistake†pledging to make a donation to Birmingham Children’s Hospital in an efforts to make amends.
“I have clearly made a terrible error for which I am deeply sorry. My comments about Birmingham were totally in error,†Emerson said, adding he would be posting an apology on his website for “this comment about the beautiful city of Birminghamâ€.
“I do not intend to justify or mitigate my mistake by stating that I had relied on other sources because I should have been much more careful,†he said.
“There was no excuse for making this mistake and I owe an apology to every resident of Birmingham.â€
“The Bullring Shopping Centre was packed this eveningâ€, from @Unnamedinsider. Source: Twitter
His erroneous comments sparked ridicule on social media, with users posting hundreds of hilarious tweets tagged #FoxNewsFacts lampooning the notion of Birmingham as a no-go area for non-Muslims.
By noon, a Change.org petition entitled “Let non-Muslims back into the city of Birmingham†had appeared online, garnering almost 300 signatures.
Here’s the best of the Twitter reaction: