President Trump made a brief but powerful statement about the incident in Virginia that left at least one protester dead. He emphasized the need for a return to law and order.
From CBS News:
Trump condemns hatred “on many sides” in Charlottesville white nationalist protest
President Trump said he condemns hatred and bigotry on “many sides” in Charlottesville, Virginia, in remarks from New Jersey, his first since white nationalist group protests turned violent and resulted in one death and 34 others injured Saturday.
“We’re closely following the terrible events unfolding in Charlottesville, Virginia,” Mr. Trump said. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence, on many sides.”
In his remarks, the president failed to mention the displays of white nationalism or Nazi symbols present in Charlottesville Saturday.
“It’s been going on for a long time in our country,” Mr. Trump said of the hatred and bigotry in Charlottesville. “Not Donald Trump. Not Barack Obama. It’s been going on for a long, long time.”
The president gave the remarks at the beginning of a bill signing event to expand a program allowing veterans to seek private medical care.
“We have to heal the wounds of our country,” the president said to conclude his remarks.
Watch the video:
What is vital now is a swift restoration of law and order and the protection of innocent lives.#Charlottesville pic.twitter.com/DB22fgnu6L
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2017
