US Republican Senator Cory Gardner on Saturday urged US President Donald Trump to “call evil by its name” after a rash of violence broke out in Charlottesville, Virginia, during a rally organized by members of alt-right, white nationalists and neo-Nazis.
In a short statement, Trump strongly condemned the racially-charged violence in Charlottesville, saying the events were “display of hatred, bigotry and violence,” but refrained from putting the blame on any particular group.
Mr. President – we must call evil by its name. These were white supremacists and this was domestic terrorism. https://t.co/PaPNiPPAoW
— Cory Gardner (@SenCoryGardner) 12 августа 2017 г.
On Saturday, Charlottesville saw a major rally of far-right nationalists protesting the removal of a monument dedicated to Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. The rally, dubbed Unite the Right, which subsequently led to violent clashes between the demonstrators and counter-protesters and culminated in the car ramming attack.
In response to the clashes, Governor of the US state of Virginia Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency in Charlottesville. At least three people died as a result of the events, McAuliffe said.
A number of senators, including Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and Tim Scott, have condemned Charlottesville violence as an act of “domestic terrorism.”
We will continue to follow developments in Charlottesville, and will provide whatever assistance is needed. We are ready, willing and able. pic.twitter.com/mCTYBgUePi
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 12 августа 2017 г.