In a press briefing on Monday, President Trump again condemned the violence in Charlottesville on Saturday, confirmed the Department of Justice was opening a civil rights investigation into the incident, and called the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis, and white supremacists antithetical to American values.
After discussing economic indicators, Trump explained the Department of Justice was opening a civil rights investigation into those who were involved in the violence in Charlottesville:
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.
Trump also condemned the violence on Saturday yet again:
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.
In addition to condemning violence at the rally in general, Trump explicitly condemned the violence perpetuated by the KKK, neo-Nazis, and white supremacists as well as their beliefs:
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.
After the incident on Saturday, Trump received criticism for his statement condemning the violence. People noted Trump did not directly mention the names of the groups that were participating in the rally on Saturday.
Vice President Mike Pence condemned the KKK, white supremacists, and neo-Nazis in his own statement on Sunday.
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