At least one person died and many more were injured Saturday in violence that erupted where a white nationalist rally was planned in Charlottesville, Virginia. On social media, activists, celebrities, and public figures spoke out.
The chilling images that emerged from a Friday night gathering of white nationalists on the University of Virginia campus in Charlottesville, Va. were like something out of a horrifying movie. But the torch-wielding crowd was real, and on Saturday the already-violent event turned deadly. Hours after Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency at the request of Virginia State Police on Saturday morning, a speeding car plowed into a group of counterprotesters, killing one person and injuring 19. According to CNN, the driver, who has not been named publicly yet, was taken into custody.
Amplifying the already-appalling chain of events, President Donald Trump’s initial delay in speaking out against the violence, paired with his eventual vague response that referred to “bigotry and violence on many sides, on many sides” angered many. As a large number of prominent white nationalists have been vocal in their support of the president, many accused Trump of trying to address the news without upsetting that faction of his supporters.
Other politicians, activists, and celebrities, however, were quick to condemn the violence, and the president’s response to it, on social media.
Charlottesville mayor Mike Signer posted several tweets regarding Saturday’s events, expressing both his horror at the unfolding violence and his gratitude for words and displays of support flooding into the city:
I am heartbroken that a life has been lost here. I urge all people of good will--go home.
— Mike Signer (@MikeSigner) August 12, 2017
Thank you, Mayors, from the bottom of my heart. https://t.co/KR8HXhkyku
— Mike Signer (@MikeSigner) August 12, 2017
In Washington, politicians on both sides of the aisle released statements throughout the day Saturday:
Our nation is defined by the march of progress. Our strength lies in our diversity. We must reject hate. #Charlottesville
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) August 12, 2017
The hate and bigotry witnessed in #Charlottesville does not reflect American values. I wholeheartedly oppose their actions.
— Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) August 12, 2017
There is only one side. #charlottesville
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 12, 2017
My heart is in Charlottesville today, and with everyone made to feel unsafe in their country.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 12, 2017
I signed up to fight Nazis 73 years ago and I'll do it again if I have to.
— John Dingell (@JohnDingell) August 12, 2017
Hatred, bigotry, & fascism should have no place in this country.
Celebrities and other public figures weighed in, too:
We have nazi sympathizers and white nationalists in the White House. Condemn them too. They should not be receiving taxpayer money.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 12, 2017
Hell of a day for the President to forget how to tweet. pic.twitter.com/ABffmwwH8D
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 12, 2017
Mr. President?
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) August 12, 2017
Come together as one: Even you losers-haters-Mexican rapists-"heroes" who were captured-women who are less than 10's-the lyin' & low-energy! https://t.co/W5nfDUQn4y
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) August 12, 2017
Next: Twitter round up: Celebrities respond to the transgender ban
This is a developing story with fallout sure to continue throughout the weekend and beyond.