By: Alyssa Wilson

While making an appearance on Fox News, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick blamed unvaccinated African Americans for the newest spike in COVID-19 cases.  

According to The Washington Post, Patrick was being interviewed by Laura Ingraham. She asked him to respond to criticism from Democrats that say COVID-19 cases and deaths are on the rise in Texas because of policies enacted by Governor Greg Abbott, who recently tested positive for COVID-19.  

RELATED: Texas Governor Greg Abbott Tests Positive for COVID-19 

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick blames unvaccinated Black people for Covid spread in his state pic.twitter.com/CfwajqECLM

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 20, 2021

“The COVID is spreading,” Patrick admitted before proceeding to place blame. “Democrats like to blame Republicans on that. Well, the biggest group in most states are African Americans who have not been vaccinated. The last time I checked, over 90% of them vote for Democrats in their major cities and major countries,” he said.  

RELATED: Texas Potentially Being Sued Over Greg Abbott’s Executive Order 

Data reported by The Washington Post reveals Patrick’s comments as incorrect. According to statistics, Texas’ African American population is not driving the increase in cases. Black residents in the state only make up about 16% of cases and 10% of deaths as of August 13.  

Despite the low rate of vaccination rates among the African American population in Texas, white people make up about 35% of the state’s COVID-19 cases, and Hispanics make up about 36%.  

RELATED: Texas Governor Gregg Abbott Lifts State’s Msk Mandate 

Patrick’s comments received immediate backlash. Black Democratic Senator Borris L. Miles tweeted, “Lt. Gov. Patrick now blames the current surge in COVID on African Americans. Using minorities as a scapegoat is nothing new for Republicans. This is uninformed racist rhetoric and it will not be tolerated.”  

Lt. Gov. Patrick now blames the current surge in COVID on African Americans. Using minorities as a scapegoat is nothing new for Republicans. This is uninformed racist rhetoric and it will not be tolerated. #txlege https://t.co/jMVo7yswcu

— Texas State Senator Borris L. Miles (@BorrisLMiles) August 20, 2021

If you or someone you know is struggling from trauma triggered by this story, resources are available here.