Virginia wants to start its healing process, but that needs to start with leadership and the president, but President Donald Trump has "disappointed us" with his words blaming both sides for the violence that shook Charlottesville and the nation over the weekend, Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam said Wednesday.
"For the president to continue to say this violence is coming from various sides, it's very clear where it's coming from," the Democratic state leader told CNN's "New Day" program. "It's coming from white supremacists who brought their hatred and bigotry into the commonwealth of Virginia. We don't need them here and we would ask them never to come back."
Charlottesville has had a "horrific few days," Northam said.
"Our children are getting ready to go back to school this weekend," he told CNN. "For white supremacists and neo Nazis to march into Charlottesville and bring their hatred and bigotry and violence, it's something we in Virginia don't condone."
Heather Heyer, the woman who was killed during Saturday's protests, will be laid to rest on Wednesday, he said, and state leaders will attend to offer their condolences.
Northam also took offense with Trump's statement on Tuesday that the people who were in Charlottesville to protest the decision to remove the statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee were there for a peaceful protest, but the "alt left" came after them with sticks and weapons, so they deserve part of the blame.
"I think his facts are very incorrect," Northam said "This is a peaceful city in Virginia. For people, for white supremacists to march in with torches and semi-automatic weapons, we believe in freedom of speech, but certainly don't condone violence. I'm not sure what he's looking at."
Northam also commended law enforcement, first responders, and National Guard who were at the scene of the violence.
"Not a shot was fired with all that violence, so these individuals and also all the folks that took care of those wounded and hurt in the hospital, they should be commended," said Northam. "I think they did a wonderful job. As you know, when someone gets in a vehicle and weaponizes it, those things are hard to defend against. We just as soon this not happen again in Virginia."
Northam said he believes Trump on Tuesday "showed what was in his heart" with Tuesday's comments.
"He ran his campaign based on hatred and bigotry," said Northam. "Initially his statement, he condoned the white supremacists, then he was given a script and the following day, yesterday, he came out. I think it showed what was in his heart. That is the hatred and bigotry that these people brought to the commonwealth of Virginia."
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