WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) issued the following statement today in advance of the one-year anniversary of the deadly white nationalist demonstrations in Charlottesville, Virginia that took place from August 11-12, 2017:

“One year ago, Americans everywhere were appalled to see white supremacists descend onto the streets of Charlottesville carrying burning torches and shouting Nazi slogans like “blood and soil.” A day later, a young woman named Heather Heyer was murdered by a violent white nationalist as she took part in a peaceful demonstration for tolerance, justice, and equality.

“We will never forget what happened in Charlottesville and the American values that Heather Heyer died for. Nor will we forget that when a nation in pain needed healing, President Trump rubbed salt in the wounds of the American people by refusing to immediately denounce those marching under the ugly banner of white nationalism. It is my hope that this year, as white nationalists once again take to the streets, President Trump full-heartedly and unequivocally denounces their message of hate.

“The events in Charlottesville were a tragic reminder that hateful forces like white supremacy, anti-Semitism, and racial bigotry are never dead but dormant and all too easily awoken by those who stoke fear and division. All of us have the capability and the responsibility to stand up each day for justice, equality, tolerance, and the diversity that makes America great.”

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