As Americans across the country weigh in on violence in Charlottesville, all levels of the Greater Williamsburg community have come together to condemn violence and hatred throughout the Commonwealth.
On Saturday, one person was killed and 19 hurt when a car drove through a crowd of counter-protesters at a “Unite the Right” rally of white nationalist and other right-wing groups in Charlottesville, according to the city’s verified twitter account.
After the violent events unfolded in Charlottesville, many public figures in the Historic Triangle spoke out against “violence and hate.”
Williamsburg Mayor Paul Freiling sent a statement on behalf of city council to the Charlottesville Mayor, condemning the attacks and reminding Greater Williamsburg the tragedies could easily have struck here.
“Please know, that these reprehensible and horrific events could just as easily have occurred here,” Freiling wrote, explaining his decision to reach out to Charlottesville. “If you join us in moral recoil, then let us band together to be part of the solution to build bridges instead of fences; to love over hate; to seek peaceful discourse over violence; and to embrace all that is beautiful about the diversity of humanity.”
The James City County Board of Supervisors released the following statement condemning “acts of domestic terrorism.”
“Tracing our history to the founding of democracy in America and the architects of our Constitution, we do not waver in our defense of the right to peaceful speech and assembly. But we must and do condemn the provocation and intolerance of the white supremacists, Nazis and KKK, who spawned acts of domestic terrorism.”
Gov. Terry McAullife condemned many of the “alt-right” and white nationalist attendees of the rally at a press conference telling them “go home. You are not wanted in this great commonwealth.”
“Out-of-state protesters have come to Virginia to endanger our citizens and property,” he said in a news release after declaring a state of emergency.
Earlier Saturday, two Virginia State Police officers lost their lives when the Bell 407 helicopter they were operating crashed while assisting the ground operations in Charlottesville, according to the Virginia State Police.
The pilot, Lt. H. Jay Cullen, 48, of Midlothian, Va., and Trooper Berke M.M. Bates, of Quinton, Va., who would have turned 41 on Sunday, died in the crash. The crash is still under investigation.
York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Facebook post they were sending their condolences to the families of the deceased.
“Sheriff Diggs and the entire staff of the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office wish to express our deepest sympathy to the families & fellow officers of the Virginia State Police. You are in our thoughts and prayers.”
Republican Senate Majority Leader and James City County resident Tommy Norment (R-3) released a statement calling the accident a “devastating tragedy…a reminder to us all of the tremendous sacrifices made by the brave officers serving Virginia.”
“It is time for a ‘Commonwealth Call’ for civility, racial respect, and tolerance for diversity of perspectives without resorting to violence,” Norment said.
Williamsburg City Councilman Benny Zhang penned a statement on Facebook condemning “white supremacy, racism, and bigotry.”
“The hatred and violence being perpetrated in Charlottesville are abhorrent and un-American. White supremacy, racism and bigotry have no place in our society,” Zhang wrote.
Williamsburg’s Delegate to the General Assembly Mike Mullin (D-93) released a statement thanking law enforcement for keeping counter-protesters safe.
“As a lifelong Virginian, this does not represent who we are as a people. Diversity and acceptance are core tenets of who we are,” Mullin wrote. “Thank you to the law enforcement who are keeping everyone safe and to those who are standing up today against this hate.
College of William and Mary President Taylor Reveley said the demonstrations were a key part of democracy, but violence and hate had no place in a democratic society.
“Freedom of thought and expression are central to a functioning democracy,” Reveley wrote. “Violence and hate are not.”
