Rep. Steve King Just Compared the Backlash Against His Racist Comments to the Persecution of Jesus, and People Aren't Having It

This past January, Congressman Steve King spoke to the New York Times about his long history of anti-immigration stances. In the article, he infamously questioned why terms like white supremacy became offensive.

King was promptly stripped of his committee assignments and received immense backlash from both sides of the aisle.

So, naturally King is comparing that backlash to the crucifixion of Jesus—casting himself as the persecuted figure Christians believe died to atone for their sins.

The moment came at a town hall in which one of King's constituents expressed concern that Christianity is being persecuted.

Watch below:

King responded:

"For all that I've been through, it seems even strange for me to say it, but I'm at a certain peace...When I had to step down to the floor of the House of Representatives and look up at those 400 and some accusers—you know we just passed through Easter and Christ's passion—and I have better insight into what He went through for us, partly because of that experience."

King was referring to the time he addressed the House on a resolution condemning white supremacy in response to his comments. He voted for the resolution.

Somehow, apologizing for questioning the offensive nature of white supremacy seems less painful than crucifixion.

Twitter seemed to agree.

Yikes.