Ahead white supremacist rally, Trump condemns racism

World
Europe

02:24

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he condemns “all types of racism and acts of violence,” appealing for unity ahead of the anniversary of a deadly white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Trump drew strong criticism in the days after the Charlottesville rally last year for equating white supremacists with counter-protesters and saying “both sides” were to blame.

On Aug. 11, 2017, hundreds of neo-Nazi sympathizers, accompanied by rifle-armed men, yelling white nationalist slogans while wielding flaming torches rallied in America's South before the Civil Rights movement.

When the demonstrations continued on Aug. 12, fighting broke out between neo-Nazi supporters and anti-fascists from a black-clad group called Antifa. The violence culminated with a man driving a car into a crowd of counter-protesters, killing a woman and injuring 19 people.

On Saturday, Trump tweeted the "riots" in Charlottesville "resulted in senseless death and division. We must come together as a nation. I condemn all types of racism and acts of violence. Peace to ALL Americans!"

Screenshot of Trump's tweet

A year after the clash turned deadly, Charlottesville is bracing for violence.

A state of emergency is in effect. Smaller demonstrations have already taken place, as well as ceremonies to honor the victims.

More than a thousand police officers are patrolling the streets of Charlottesville. They were criticized last year for not being adequately prepared.

Violence during the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, US, August 12, 2017. /Reuters Photo

The city’s police chief said no violence will be tolerated this time around. Vehicle access was denied to the main streets.

The University of Virginia on Saturday held a service of reflection to mark one year since the Unite the Right rally.

The city authorities have denied the organizers of last year’s march's request for a permit to hold the Unite the Right 2 rally in Charlottesville.

University of Virginia students, faculty and residents attend a candle light march across grounds in Charlottesville, August 16, 2017. /AP Photo

But the District of Columbia, Washington, DC did allow them.

Hundreds of white nationalists are expected to take part in a demonstration on Saturday near the White House. Around 2,000 counter protesters are also expected at counter rallies nearby.

(With input from agencies)