Stacey Abrams apologizes after being photographed maskless at school event

Stacey Abrams apologized after receiving criticism for being photographed maskless while surrounded by school children wearing masks.

The Democratic gubernatorial candidate for Georgia told CNN on Tuesday she got caught up in the "excitement" of reading to children for an African American read-in day when she posed for the cameras.

"I took a picture, and that was a mistake. Protocols matter, and protecting our kids is the most important thing, and anything that could be perceived as undermining that is a mistake, and I apologize," Abrams said.

Abrams said she wore her mask prior to approaching a podium, where she informed the children that she was taking hers off because of those listening in remotely, making a point to say that those who were there in person were socially distanced.

As Democratic governors in several states ease mask mandates, Abrams said Georgia is not at the same point in the coronavirus pandemic as others.