Sean Spicer's Comments On Use Of Chemical Weapons During WWII Raises Eyebrows

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer is currently dealing with fallout after his remarks Tuesday comparing Syrian dictator Bashar Al-Assad to Adolf Hitler, after he tried to draw comparisons between the chemical weapons attack in Syria and the Holocaust.

Many are saying the remarks could not have come at a worse time as Jewish families across America celebrate Passover. Some are now calling for Spicer's resignation.

"We didn't use chemical weapons in World War II," Spicer said. "You had someone as despicable as Hitler who didn't even sink to using chemical weapons."

History proves otherwise, as it is known Hitler sent millions to the gas chambers during the Holocaust.

Spicer's remarks meant to condemn Syrian president's Bashar Al-Assad for gassing his own people.

Given the chance to clarify his comments, Spicer ended up raising more questions.

"I think when you come to sarin gas. There was no, he was not using the gas on his own people the same was that Assad is doing. I mean there's clearly. I understand your point. Thank you. I appreciate that. There was not in the he brought them into the Holocaust Center," he said.

Maryland Senator Ben Cardin pointed out what Spicer meant in a tweet.

The outrage didn't stop there, the Anne Frank Center is also calling on the president to fire Spicer at once, calling the remarks "the most evil slur upon a group of people we have ever heard from a White House press secretary."

One rabbi called the press secretary's remarks distressing and unprofessional, especially as Jewish families across America celebrate Passover.

"To see somebody at such a high level of government exhibit such a woeful lack of knowledge and ignorance. Is really just beyond the pale,"  said Bolton Street Synagogue Rabbi John Franken.

Late Tuesday, Spicer tried to right the wrong by apologizing.

"Frankly, I mistakenly used an used an inappropriate and insensitive reference to the Holocaust, for which frankly there is no comparison, and for that I apologize. It was mistake to do that."

Spicer said he should have stayed focused on the Assad regime and also noted that he is aware of the history of the Holocaust. The apology came after an earlier statement issued by Spicer, in which he also tried to clarify his comments.

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In:
• Holocaust
• Adolf Hitler