Staff ReporterThousands of anti-fascist protesters marched in cities across the United States after the death of a woman at an anti-facist rally.
The White House issued a statement saying President Donald Trump”condemns all forms of violence, bigotry and hatred, and of course that includes white Supremacists, KKK, neo-nazi and all extremist groups” in the wake of the Charlottesville rally, where a car was driven at activists, leaving one woman killed and 19 people injured.
After the death of Heather Heyer, 32, protesters clashed with riot police in cities across the US.
Campaigners vented their anger at a rally in Seattle, while peaceful protests were carried out in several US cities
Trump has faced criticism for not immediately condemning the actions of the far right group. After the tragedy in Charlottesville, he posted online: “Condolences to the family of the young woman killed today, and best regards to all of those injured, in Charlottesville, Virginia. So sad!”
The White House eventually issued a statement saying Trump condemns supremacist groups.
“The President said very strongly in his statement yesterday that he condemns all forms of violence, bigotry and hatred and of course that includes white Supremacists, KKK, neo-nazi and all extremist groups,” the White House said.
It added: “He called for national unity and bringing all Americans together.”
Tributes paid to activist, 32, killed in Charlottesville violence
The rallies included a march to President Donald Trump’s home in New York, a candlelit vigil in Florida and a gathering in a public square in Cleveland.
It comes amid fury following accusations the US President failed to explicitly condemn white extremist groups for the violence at the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville in the state of Virginia.
Ms Heyer, a legal assistant at a law firm in the state, died after a car ploughed into counter-protesters amid violent clashes during the rally on Saturday.
Hours after the violence erupted, Mr Trump told reporters in New Jersey he condemned the actions of “many sides” during the clashes.
The White House has defended Mr Trump’s reaction to the violence, issuing a statement on Sunday clarifying the President’s condemnation included white supremacists.
Ugly scenes erupted during a protest in Seattle, Washington, as antifascist protesters were blocked from reaching a pro-Trump rally.
Police reportedly deployed flashbang grenades and pepper spray as they faced off with protesters.
Hundred of white nationalists had gathered for the ‘Unite the Right’ march on Saturday, which had been organised to protest the removal of a statue of a Civil War general.
The protesters included dozens of neo-Nazis and Ku Klux Klan members.
Ms Heyer was killed when a driver ploughed a car into counter-protesters at the rally, sparking the rallies across the US. A man has since been charged with murder.
Video footage, posted to Periscope, showed the car ploughing through the crowd, who were marching peacefully, and tossing one activist onto the car in front.
People can be seen screaming and running in terror before the car reverses at speed and drives away.
Charlottesville Mayor Mike Singer said on Twitter: “I am heartbroken that a life has been lost here.”
Jason Kessler, who organised the ‘Unite the Right’ march, was heckled as he blamed police for failing to stop the violence.
