President Donald Trump on Monday said "racism is evil" and that anyone who causes violence in its name are "criminals and thugs."
It was the president's strongest reaction yet to the violence that erupted in Charlottesville, Va., over the weekend that resulted in the death of a protester and two Virginia state troopers.
However, Trump began the hastily called press conference in Washington by first touting the success of his efforts with the economy, citing the stock market, the creation of "1 million jobs since I took office," and a 16-year low in unemployment.
Then Trump pivoted to Charlottesville, saying he had met with new FBI Director Christopher Wray and Attorney General Jeff Sessions and that they are opening a civil rights investigation into the events that led to violent clashes between white nationalists and counter-protesters and, ultimately, the death of Heather Heyer, a white protester.
"Racism is evil and those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the KKK, neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other hate groups that are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans," Trump said at a Monday press conference.
"To anyone who acted criminally in this weekend's racist violence, you will be held fully accountable. Justice will be delivered," Trump said. "As I said on Saturday, we condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence. It has no place in America."
Trump had been roundly criticized for not immediately responding Saturday with the same condemnation he delivered Monday.
At the heart of criticism levied against Trump over the weekend was the remark that hit at the "egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence on many sides, on many sides."
Trump was more direct and forceful Monday.
"And as I have said many times before, no matter the color of our skin, we all live under the same laws. We all salute the same great flag and we are all made by the same almighty God. We must love each other, show affection for each other, and unite together in condemnation of hatred, bigotry and violence," Trump said.
An Ohio man, James Fields, is being held without bail for driving his car into a large group of protesters that killed Heyer and wounded many more.
"Two days ago, a young American woman Heather Heyer was tragically killed. Her death fills us with grief and we send her family our thoughts, our prayers and our love," Trump said.