Empty pews in a church.
The interior of a church.Getty Images
  • A pastor of a Texas megachurch apologized after a video circulated showing people in the church chanting 'Let's go, Brandon.'
  • The phrase has been used by conservatives as a coded insult for President Joe Biden. 
  • The crowd was present at the church for a "ReAwaken America" conference that featured former National Security advisor Michael Flynn. 

The pastor of a popular Texas megachurch apologized after a video showing his congregants chanting "Let's go, Brandon" went viral.

The incident unfolded during a conference in San Antonio, Texas, for the "ReAwaken America" tour hosted by allies for former President Donald Trump such as Michael Flynn and My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell. 

The video shows hundreds of people clapping and chanting "Let's go, Brandon!" as someone from the stage leads them in the chant. The phrase has been used by conservatives as a coded way of cursing at President Joe Biden. 

Last month, a Southwest Airlines pilot reportedly said "Let's Go, Brandon" during a flight announcement. The airline said the incident was under investigation. The chant appeared to move beyond the confines of conservative media when one of the most successful video game streamers of all time used the chant on his channel. Also last month, a #LetsGoBrandonChallenge hashtag trended on social media, with TikTok views for the tag topping 3.3 million as of Oct. 27, Insider's Jake Lahut previously reported. 

Following the event, Cornerstone Church's Pastor Matt Hagee issued a statement apologizing and distancing the church from the event hosts. 

"Last week I allowed an event to be held at Cornerstone Church by an outside organization. Regrettably, the organization was not properly vetted. It was not appropriate to allow this event at our church. The Church is not associated with this organization and does not endorse their views," Hagee said.
 
"I was invited to welcome the crowd where I thanked veterans for their service and thanked the crowd for their commitment to their faith," Hagee continued. "I deeply regret, and ask forgiveness, for what took place in the Cornerstone sanctuary as a result of my oversight."

Hagee has previously advocated for religious exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccine for churchgoers, claiming, "our religious liberty is something that's under attack in the United States today."

Read the original article on Insider