Hundreds march in response to violent white nationalist rally in Charlottesville that left three dead and dozens injured
Los Angeles mayor and a California senator joined officials from across the United States to condemn Saturday’s events
Dozens of protesters rallied in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday night denouncing the violence in Charlottesville that has so far left three dead and many others injured.
More than one hundred demonstrators marched in front of Los Angeles Police Department headquarters, chanting “no justice, no peace”, and waving signs that read “solidarity with Charlottesville”, “white silence equals violence” and “stop white terrorists”.
The peaceful demonstration came hours after three people were killed and dozens injured in Charlottesville when a rally staged by white nationalists turned violent. The “Unite the Right” rally sought to challenge the city’s ordered removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
Before the rally could even begin, neo-Nazis, white nationalists and other far-right figures began brawling with large numbers of anti-racism protesters in the streets of the college town.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Senator Dianne Feinstein joined officials from across the country to speak out against the violence.
“Angelenos and people everywhere condemn these acts of hatred, and are deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries suffered today,” Garcetti said. “We stand with (Charlottesville) Mayor Mike Signer and everyone in his city with hope and prayers for peace to be restored.”
Feinstein echoed the mayor’s sentiments.
“Violent acts of hate and bigotry have no place in America,” she said. “Violence like this will solve nothing and will only beget more violence and sow more division.”
Meanwhile, hundreds more gathered for a march in Oakland, California to decry racism in the wake of the deadly violence.
Protesters gathered on Saturday night and made their way peacefully downtown, chanting and waving signs and banners.
Although a few cars were held up by the march, police said the rally was peaceful and there were no arrests.