Following the violent events in Charlottesville (VA), President Trump, who was on vacation at his golf club in Bedford (NJ), issued a very mild statement in which he condemned the violence and added that “this has been going on for a long time” and arises from “many sides." He didn’t even cite the reason why one woman died mowed down by a vehicle driven by a white supremacist: racism. Neither has he referred to Ku Klux Klan and Neo-Nazis groups.
The statement triggered prompt criticism from all sides. The President came under fire for not denouncing hate groups.
Even his fellow Republicans, like Senators Cory Gardner (Colorado) and Marco Rubio (Florida), called on the President to deliver a clearer statement.
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) August 12, 2017
Very important for the nation to hear @potus describe events in #Charlottesville for what they are, a terror attack by #whitesupremacists
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) August 12, 2017
Under pressure, the President made his way back to Washington and finally took a tougher line on the issue, CNN reports. In a speech in the White House, he called Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other hate groups “repugnant." He also condemned the violence in Charlottesville and stated: “Justice will be delivered.”
Nevertheless, the President’s new stance wasn’t enough to ease tensions, especially on social media.
For some critics, the President took long a time to address the issue more critically and only did that after coming under fire.
Ever forced one of your kids to apologize to a sibling? Think about what that sounds like. That was Trump's #charlottesville speech today.
— John Fea (@JohnFea1) August 14, 2017
It seemed like he was trying to condemn "violent racists," without condemning racism or attempting to understand the root of the problem. https://t.co/vQLjzMMvuM
— Andrew Wehrman (@ProfWehrman) August 14, 2017
What happened in Charlottesville?
“Unite the Right,” a white supremacist rally, was set to take place on Saturday, in Charlottesville.
Counter-protesters gathered in the same venue and clashes broke out. The police took action to disperse the groups. Hours later, when the confusion and chaos seemed to be under control a Dodge Challenger was driven into the crowd of counter-protesters. The driver went backward as to injure yet more people and escape.
Heather Heyer, a thirty-two-year-old died in the crash.
Other 19 people were wounded, according to CNN. The suspect of driving the car was arrested later in the afternoon. He is James Alex Fields Jr., a twenty-year-old from Maumee, Ohio. According to news sources, he drove 500 miles to Charlottesville aiming to take part in the rally.
European leaders condemn violence in the U.S.
According to The Guardian, a spokesman for British Prime Minister Theresa May said that they “condemn racism, hatred, and violence. We condemn the far right." The Prime Minister herself spoke up on Twitter, standing against racism.
Our thoughts and prayers are with #Charlottesville. The UK stands with the US against racism, hatred and violence.
— UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) August 13, 2017
The UK opposition leader Jeremy Corbin also condemned on social media the events unfolded in America.
My thoughts are with those killed and injured in #Charlottesville standing up to racism and hatred.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) August 12, 2017
The spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the Unite the Right rally “repulsive” and added that “this is completely contrary to what the Chancellor and German government work for.”
