Republican Allen County Councilman Larry Brown made the comments Thursday during a council meeting during which members discussed whether they should issue a statement regarding the protests.

In a statement to The Journal Gazette, Brown apologised for his comments.

Brown's comments were captured by video cameras and broadcast via Facebook Live.

Other council members criticised Brown's remarks but no significant rebuke was offered during the meeting.

Misti Meehan, chairwoman of the Allen County Democratic Party, also condemned Brown's comments and called for him to resign.