David Duke, former Ku Klux Klan leader and Louisiana state legislator, lashed out at Donald Trump as the president was calling out extremist groups, including neo-Nazis and the KKK, in connection with Saturday’s violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Duke's temperature rose on social media as Trump clarified, strengthened and set for the record his view on the violence there.
Trump had faced mounting pressure over the weekend when his initial statement on Saturday didn’t specifically mention white supremacist groups in connection with the violence, leading to bipartisan criticism.
"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 on Monday in a White House statement.
"We are a nation founded on the truth that all of us are created equal. We are equal in the eyes of our Creator. We are equal under the law. And we are equal under our Constitution. Those who spread violence in the name of bigotry strike at the very core of America," the statement said.
The violence erupted when white nationalists and other so-called "alt right" groups protesting the removal of a Confederate statue were met by counter-protestors. A woman died and numerous others were injured when someone drove into a crowd of the counter-protesters. A man has been charged.
Duke attended the Charlotteville's "United the Right" rally and on Saturday was praising Trump for his agenda.
"This represents a turning point for the people of this country," Duke said, per the Huffington Post. "We are determined to take our country back. We are going to fulfill the promises of Donald Trump."
Duke then appeared to issue a warning on Twitter after Trump's initial comments on Charlotteville.
Duke's tone then turned much sharper.
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