Press Release

Sacramento, C.A. – Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA) issued the following statement after white supremacist protests turned violent in Charlottesville, Virginia:

"The violence in Charlottesville is an example of what happens when politicians tolerate hatred and bigotry. As a candidate, Donald Trump knew these hate groups supported his campaign. In both his rhetoric and actions, Trump encouraged these groups to come out of the shadows. He gave groups like the KKK and white supremacists legitimacy and a voice. Sadly, that trend has continued during the Trump presidency.

This weekend, the former leader of the Klu Klux Klan, David Duke, was recorded saying, "we're going to fulfill the promises to Donald Trump, and that's what we believe in, that's why we voted for Donald Trump."

As Americans, we must all come together and say with one voice that hate and bigotry have no place in this country. President Trump has failed – for two days – to condemn these hate groups outright. I call on the president to do so immediately."

###