5 Reactions to the Violence in Charlottesville

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Monday, August 14, 2017

3. Governor Terry McAuliffe Calls State of Emergency

People gather for a vigil in response to the death of a counter-demonstrator at the 'Unite the Right' rally in Charlottesville, outside the White House in Washington, U.S. August 13, 2017. — People gather for a vigil in response to the death of a counter-demonstrator at the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, outside the White House in Washington, U.S. August 13, 2017. | (Photo: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)

Democratic Governor of Virginia Terry McAuliffe issued a state of emergency over the violence in Charlottesville, per the request of state police.

In a statement released Saturday, Gov. McAuliffe stated that "the situation in Charlottesville warrants an emergency declaration by me, in order to aid City and County law enforcement in their efforts to restore public safety and order in the City of Charlottesville and the surrounding area."

"It is now clear that public safety cannot be safeguarded without additional powers, and that the mostly out-of-state protesters have come to Virginia to endanger our citizens and property," said McAuliffe.

"I am disgusted by the hatred, bigotry and violence these protesters have brought to our state over the past 24 hours. The actions I have taken are intended to assist local government and restore public safety."