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Pa. communities stand in solidarity following violence in Charlottesville

Published  August 13, 2017 5:48pm EDT
U.S.
FOX 29 Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, PA (WTXF) - In Philadelphia, many people are standing in solidarity with the people of Charlottesville, Virginia following a violent afternoon which saw three deaths linked to a white nationalist rally.

"What I watched on the news today was heartbreaking," said Susan Wysor-Nguema. "And I see hate in this country. I see white supremacy in this country."

A group of activists from around Philly met at City Hall this evening to mourn the death of the victim who was run down by a car at the rally and march in Charlottesville, an event that exploded into chaos and violence as supporters, anti-protestors and law enforcement clashed.

"When the system allows this to happen, this is what happens," said Eric Jenkins. "This is the end result. People start fighting, people start dying. I don't want that to happen."

Cathy Barry, who also attended the vigil, had a similar sentiment.

"It really is up to us as white people to start changing this," she said. "White privilege led to this white supremacy, and it is not acceptable in this country."

Activists say they recognize the right to free speech, but they are angry that the white supremacist movement still exists.

"People are righteously outraged and feel heartache that this is what it means to be alive in 2017," said Sam Goldman.

Goldman and other activists say President Trump should have denounced the KKK and the movement, rather than blaming both sides.

Philadelphia was not the only place people gathering on Saturday. A couple dozen people braved the elements in Doylestown to stand in solidarity.

Activists told the crowd to never stand down to evil or hatred. Community members sang songs together and offered their support for those in Charlottesville.

Locals in Media also took notice of the violence in Charlottesville. Delaware county residents held a rally on Sunday called "A Stand Against Hate."

Those who attended stood together against the racism that took place in Charlottesville, Virginia, committing to a zero-tolerance policy for white supremacy in the area.