Governor of New Jersey calls Sheriff to resign after being appalled by racist remarks against him

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy called on a sheriff to resign Thursday after being caught in the act of racist remarks about African Americans and the state's first Sikh Attorney General.

WNYC radio obtained the tape of a person present during the conversation between the sheriff of Bergen County and Michael Saudino with colleagues. The statements were recorded on the day of Murphy's inauguration in January.

Saudino was heard on the tape saying that New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal had been named because of the "turban". Grewal is the first Sikh to serve as Attorney General in US history.

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Saudino was also heard extolling alleged policies that would allow African Americans to "do what they want, to smoke their marijuana, do that".

"He [Murphy] talked about criminal justice, Saudino said. "Almighty Christ, in other words, let the blacks in, do what they want, smoke their marijuana, do that, and do not worry about it. You know, we'll tie the hands of the cops.

Saudino also asked if Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, who is not married, is gay.

Murphy called the remarks appalling in a statement released Thursday.

"Undoubtedly, the comments made on this recording are appalling, and anyone who uses racist, homophobic and hateful language is unfit to serve in public office," Murphy said. "If it's Sheriff Saudino's voice on the recording, he has to resign."

Grewal, who worked closely with Saudino when he was Bergen County Attorney before being appointed Attorney General, echoed Murphy's call for Saudino's resignation.

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"I have thick skin and I've called it a lot worse," Grewal said in a statement. "But the comments about the African-American community are false, racist and hurtful, New Jersey and Bergen County deserve better."

Saudino apologized for his remarks Thursday night but did not say he would step down. He said that the comments were "not representative of the person I am and that they do not correspond in any way to the way I have led my life personally and as a professional of the Law enforcement with over 46 years of service to the people of Bergen County. "

The sheriff also said he contacted "several respected leaders in the communities I offended and personally apologized and asked for their forgiveness and forgiveness from the communities."

In July, two New Jersey radio hosts were suspended without pay for 10 days after repeatedly calling Grewal a "turban man" on a show.

Associated Press contributed to this report.