Donald Rouse, Sr., co-owner of the state’s largest family owned supermarket chain, was at a rally for the President which took place before the march on the Capitol, according to the Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate.
In a statement issued today, Rouse states:
"I ... was shocked and saddened to see it unfold on TV," said Rouse. "I condemn the actions of those who unlawfully entered and damaged our hallowed institutions and threatened our public servants."
Rouse said he was in Washington at the rally to show his support for President Trump in the closing days of his presidency.
According to the paper more than 4700 Twitter posts critical of Rouse’s support of the President and calling for a boycott of the market were generated after a photograph showed Mr. Rouse at the rally before the unrest.
Reaction to the photo also brought reaction from the Krewe of Red Beans said it would carefully examine its relationship with the Rouse chain.
Responding to the violence and unrest, Rouse stated:
"Violence and destruction do not represent our country's values, or the values of Rouses. Our country desperately needs to come together to heal, and I will do everything I can to be a part of that process."
Mr. Rouse said he is not involved with the operations of the supermarket chain on a daily basis, as those responsibilities are, since 2016, undertaken by Donald Rouse, Jr.
