CHICAGO – Activists demanded clarity from President Donald Trump and Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner concerning the Charlottesville Virginia violence over the weekend. And while Governor Rauner will not say the president's name, they both expressed their disgust with the violence within minutes of each other.
Monday morning, Governor Rauner issued a short three-sentence condemnation:
The deadly violence in Charlottesville this weekend is abhorrent and absolutely an act of domestic terrorism. Racism, hatred and violence have no place in our society. The individuals responsible should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
President Trump's statement was longer and more emphatic:
…We will be discussing economic issues in greater detail later this afternoon, but, based on the events that took place over the weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia, I would like to provide the nation with an update on the ongoing federal response to the horrific attack and violence that was witnessed by everyone.
I just met with FBI Director Christopher Wray and Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into the deadly car attack that killed one innocent American and wounded 20 others. To anyone who acted criminally in this weekend’s racist violence, you will be held fully accountable. Justice will be delivered.
As I said on Saturday, we condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry, and violence. It has no place in America.
And as I have said many times before: No matter the color of our skin, we all live under the same laws, we all salute the same great flag, and we are all made by the same almighty God. We must love each other, show affection for each other, and unite together in condemnation of hatred, bigotry, and violence. We must rediscover the bonds of love and loyalty that bring us together as Americans.
Racism is evil. And those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the KKK, neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and other hate groups that are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans.
We are a nation founded on the truth that all of us are created equal. We are equal in the eyes of our Creator. We are equal under the law. And we are equal under our Constitution. Those who spread violence in the name of bigotry strike at the very core of America.
Two days ago, a young American woman, Heather Heyer, was tragically killed. Her death fills us with grief, and we send her family our thoughts, our prayers, and our love.
We also mourn the two Virginia state troopers who died in service to their community, their commonwealth, and their country. Troopers Jay Cullen and Burke Bates exemplify the very best of America, and our hearts go out to their families, their friends, and every member of American law enforcement.
These three fallen Americans embody the goodness and decency of our nation. In times such as these, America has always shown its true character: responding to hate with love, division with unity, and violence with an unwavering resolve for justice.
As a candidate, I promised to restore law and order to our country, and our federal law enforcement agencies are following through on that pledge. We will spare no resource in fighting so that every American child can grow up free from violence and fear. We will defend and protect the sacred rights of all Americans, and we will work together so that every citizen in this blessed land is free to follow their dreams in their hearts, and to express the love and joy in their souls.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless America. Thank you very much.
Who tipped off the Left about this event? Who paid them and transported them to be there?
The police were ordered to “stand down” and did little or nothing. Who ordered them to do nothing?
The Governor of Virginia is Terry McCauliff. He was one of Bill Clinton’s stooges and mouthpieces. He is a radical leftist Democrat.
Any chance he had something to do with this?
They should condemn the VA governor who created the powder keg with his stand down order to police.
Wonder why we haven’t read this guy’s Facebook rantings 48 hours after this event …
Typo – should be NC
This is exactly what antifa wants. Trump was exactly right two days ago. He wasn’t giving antifa affirmation that these NeverTrump Senate Republican failures were giving. They’re useful idiots. Trump said “all sides” which includes antifa. I’m disappointed today. And Bruce, William Kelly is running against you.
He gave the stand down order because antifa were causing trouble. Ah, but the other side was dispersed by the police. They acted on orders, period. Guess what the other side had to walk through? ANTIFA. The Democrat Governor and Mayor took sides, creating it. The 1st Amendment doesn’t permit that, but I guess free speech is gone these days in blue dumps.
And the governor drove the car like a terrorist injuring 19 and killing one?
As per usual the “alt-right” folks who post here sure are good at talking hot air and taking zero accountability like the real bully cowards they are. Those boys who didn’t wear there hoods making nazi salutes on the tee vee all got fired. gooooood!!! I guess it back to wearing hoods again.. Trump can’t protect y’all from getting fired for being stupid.
So, oh really, you can justify actions of the LEFTIST rioters and vandals?
Terrorist. Laughable. Reginald Denny showed what happens if you stop you car for an unhinged, violent mob already beating your car with bats.
I suspect this guy will get not be convicted, then our resident trolls will really become unhinged.