Confronted on Latino issues, mayor says he 'might have tacos'

A Connecticut mayor is facing heavy criticism after making a bizarre statement towards the Latino community Tuesday afternoon.

According to The Hartford Courant, East Haven Mayor Joseph Maturo was asked by a reporter what he would do to celebrate Latinos in his community after four local police officers were arrested for discriminating against Latinos.

"I might have tacos when I go home," he told WPIX-TV's Mario Diaz. "I'm not quite sure yet."

"You do release that's not the comment to say right now," Diaz replied, after being taken aback by Maturo's statement. "That you might have tacos tonight."

"I might have spaghetti tonight," Maturo replied. "Being of Italian decent, I've had ethnic food. And when you ask me what I would do for Latinos, I may go out and have a Latino dinner in the Latino community. There's nothing wrong with that and you can twist it and turn it whichever way the press decides to do."

Maturo issued a statement Wednesday morning apologizing for his comments.

"My sincerest apologies go out to the East Haven community," he said. "And, in particular, the Latino community for the insensitive and off-collar comment that I made to WPIX reporter Mario Diaz yesterday regarding the recent events affecting our community and our police department. Unfortunately, I let the stress of the situation get the best of me and inflamed what is already a serious and unfortunate situation. I regret my insensitive comment and realize that it is my job to lead by example."

WATCH: Video from Fox CT News, which was broadcast on January 24, 2012.