Senate Republicans ask Cooper to rescind appointment over 'homegrown terrorists' remark

Cooper named Mayfield to the board in December.

Senate Republicans followed the newspaper Tuesday, saying her inflammatory rhetoric makes police officers "even less safe."

"Your elevation of Council Member Mayfield to this commission raises questions about your administration’s stance toward law enforcement," all 29 Senate Republicans said in a letter to the governor. "Please send a strong message of support to North Carolina’s first responders – the men and women who protect our families and yours – by withdrawing Council Member Mayfield’s appointment."

Mayfield said in a text message Tuesday that it's an honor to be on the commission and that she plans to "bring a unique perspective that will best serve all of the people in our state" and "share some of Charlotte’s successful strategies in equal housing, fair employment and governmental representation, while also learning different approaches that could benefit our region."

Cooper's office didn't immediately respond to a WRAL News request for comment, but senior adviser Ken Eudy told The Charlotte Observer that the governor doesn't require the thousands of appointees he places on boards and commissions to have the same views as he does.

Eudy also said Mayfield is the longest-serving council member in the state's largest city.

The Human Relations Commission "advocates, enforces and promotes equality of opportunity in the areas of housing, fair employment practices, public accommodations, education, justice and governmental services," according to its website. The governor appoints 18 of the commission's 22 members.

Mayfield tweeted in March that, "Being Black in America under #45 (Donald Trump) has created homegrown terrorists wearing blue uniforms." She stood by the statement in subsequent interviews, tweeting that she has been one of the strongest supporters of law enforcement but wouldn't turn "a blind eye to corruption, assaults, and the killings of unarmed black & brown people."