Pence condemns ‘racism and violence’ ahead of Charlottesville anniversary

Vice President Pence condemned “racism and violence” on Saturday, one day before hundreds of white nationalists are expected to gather near the White House on the anniversary of last year’s violent rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

“One year after Charlottesville, we remember the tragic events that took place and mourn the loss of life that day,” Pence said in a statement posted to Twitter. “Bigotry, racism and hatred run counter to our most cherished values and have no place in American society.” 

“We condemn racism and violence in the strongest possible terms,” Pence continued. “This weekend, Karen and I will pray for the victims of that tragic day and their families.”

My statement on one year since Charlottesville. pic.twitter.com/Yi5NMlIXZW

— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) August 11, 2018

Trump earlier on Saturday tweeted a similar message denouncing “senseless death and division.” 

“I condemn all types of racism and acts of violence,” Trump tweeted. “Peace to ALL Americans!” 

The riots in Charlottesville a year ago 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!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 11, 2018

Pence last year defended President Trump’s controversial comments blaming “both sides” for the events in Charlottesville, during which a man with alleged neo-Nazi ties drove into a group of counter-protesters, killing one and injuring several others.

Pence at the time claimed the president had “clearly and unambiguously” denounced white supremacists in Charlottesville after the president faced significant blowback for his comments, which many said appeared to draw a moral equivalence between white nationalists and counter-protesters.

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Pence targeted “extremist groups,” asserting that they had no place in politics. 

“The president also made clear that behavior by others of different militant perspectives are also unacceptable in our political debate and discourse,” Pence said.

“I take issue with the fact that many in the national media spent more time criticizing the president’s words than they did criticizing those that perpetuated the violence to begin with,” Pence added.

White nationalists and counter-protesters are expected to stage dueling demonstrations in Washington, D.C. Sunday evening.