Two GOP lowmakers met racist troll 'to discuss genetic testing and DNA'

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Activist who met with congressmen about 'DNA' posted about black 'violence gene'

An alt-right activist who met with two Republican congressmen to discuss "DNA" and "genetics" posted on Facebook that he believes Muslims are "genetically different in their propensity for violence or rape" and linked to stories about how African-Americans "possessed a 'violence' gene." :mjpls:

Chuck Johnson met with Reps. Andy Harris of Maryland and Phil Roe of Tennessee on Thursday. After a Huffington Post reporter tweeted a photo of Johnson with the two congressmen, and the photo attracted media attention because of Johnson's far-right views, Roe released a statement saying he and Harris had met with Johnson because he was representing a company advocating for "increasing the number of sequenced genomes for research."


Spokespersons for Harris and Roe both confirmed to NBC News that they had met with Johnson Thursday, and a spokesperson for Roe said they had discussed "DNA" and "genetics." Johnson and Harris would not identify the company when asked. Roe's office said it did not know the identity of the company.

Johnson is best known for his conspiracy-filled right-wing news websites, connections to white supremacists, and downplaying the severity of the Holocaust in an online forum. He declined to comment on his new endeavor or the meeting, telling NBC News in a series of text messages, "I don't discuss my work with people who don't understand it."

Rep. Harris was "unaware" of Johnson's previous associations, according to a statement provided to NBC News by a spokesperson. "Of course I disavow and condemn white supremacy and anti-semitism," said Harris. :aicmon:

Genetics in the context of race was not discussed in the meeting, according to Harris's statement.

Rep. Roe similarly distanced himself from Johnson. A spokesperson for Roe told NBC News the congressman was unaware of Johnson's "abhorrent" statements surrounding race and they were not brought up during the meeting, which lasted 10 minutes.

Both congressmen had voted to condemn racist remarks about white supremacy made by Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, one day prior.

Over the years, Johnson has shown a steady interest in DNA — both the genetic makeup of politicians and the links he draws between DNA, race, intelligence and predisposition for criminality.

 
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