August 12, 2019 Press Releases and Announcements

DPVA Chairwoman Susan Swecker Statement on Two-Year Anniversary of Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville


by Democratic Party of Virginia

DPVA Chairwoman Susan Swecker Statement on Two-Year Anniversary of Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville 

RICHMOND, VA. – Democratic Party of Virginia Chairwoman Susan Swecker released the following statement on the two-year anniversary of the deadly Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville:

"White nationalists and neo-Nazis from across the country descended on our Commonwealth two years ago attempting to spread their messages of hate and divide us. Today, we honor those who stood up to them: Heather Heyer, who lost her life showing the racists gathered in Charlottesville that Virginia rejects their hate; VA State Police Lt. Jay Cullen and Trooper-Pilot Berke Bates, who lost their lives responding to the demonstrations; and the dozens of others who stood up to bigotry and were injured that day. 

The best way to do right by those who sacrificed two years ago is to build a more just and inclusive Commonwealth. White nationalism is on the rise, and communities across our country are experiencing an increase in hate crimes, antisemitism, racism, and extremism every day. We must come together to reject this rise in hate and stand up to those - especially those in positions of power - who stoke racism and bigotry to divide us. As Virginians showed then and have shown since, this great Commonwealth has no place for the vile acts displayed that day."

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