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“We condemn the actions of the Covington Catholic High School students towards Nathan Phillips specifically, and Native Americans in general,\" the statement said. \"We extend our deepest apologies to Mr. Phillips.

\"This behavior is opposed to the Church’s teachings on the dignity and respect of the human person. The matter is being investigated and we will take appropriate action, up to and including expulsion,” it added.

Sandmann defended his actions in the statement and said he planned to cooperate with the school's ongoing investigation.

\"I realized everyone had cameras and that perhaps a group of adults was trying to provoke a group of teenagers into a larger conflict,\" Sandmann said. \"I said a silent prayer that the situation would not get out of hand.\"

\"I was not intentionally making faces at the protestor. I did smile at one point because I wanted him to know that I was not going to become angry, intimidated or be provoked into a larger confrontation,\" he added.

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