In the News

Ryan M. Kelly

Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-11th, with support from Rep. Tom Garrett, R-5th, introduced a resolution Thursday night that condemns the “violent and hateful attacks carried out in Charlottesville.”

The resolution specifically condemns the actions of white supremacists, white nationalists, neo-Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan. It also honors the lives of the three people who were killed on Aug. 12.

“I am pleased to introduce this important resolution tonight with Congressman Tom Garrett that brings the Virginia congressional delegation together with one voice,” Connolly said in a statement.

The U.S. House resolution comes a day after Democratic Virginia Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine introduced a companion resolution in the Senate. Republicans Cory Gardner, of Colorado, and Johnny Isakson, of Georgia, signed on, as well.

Garrett, in his own statement, said that while these attacks and groups already have been repeatedly denounced and condemned, “this joint resolution allows us to join, legislative and executive, Republican and Democrat, in doing so officially and on the record.”

President Donald Trump had come under fire for his responses shortly following the Aug. 12 rally when he said there was violence on “many” sides. Days later, he said there were “very fine people” among the Unite the Right ralliers and counter-protesters.

On Aug. 12, a car drove into a crowd of people on the Downtown Mall, killing local resident Heather Heyer and injuring dozens more. Later that day, Lt. Jay Cullen and Trooper Berke M.M. Bates, members of the Virginia State Police who provided support for authorities, died in a helicopter crash in Albemarle County.

http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/politics/house-resolution-introduced-to-condemn-aug-violence/article_c846436a-943e-11e7-9ed6-ffc6b551bcc4.html