“It is appalling that neo-Nazis, the Klan and other white nationalists chose Virginia and a great community like Charlottesville to spread their messages of hate and intolerance. It speaks to a vile and disturbing current in our culture and politics which has now broken out into the full light of day. I will be watching closely to make sure that President Trump’s Justice Department fully pursues an investigation into the events in Charlottesville, and into the activities of hate groups across the country.” — U.S. Sen. Mark Warner

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“We must pull together — regardless of party, race or religion — to reject hatred in no uncertain terms and stand together. I’m encouraged by the words of leaders on both sides of the aisle who spoke out forcefully against what occurred, but it is critical that we follow up those words with action that builds a more inclusive future.” — U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine

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“Over the last year we have heard dog whistles, code words and intentional silences, all invigorating and empowering white supremacists. It must stop now. As a community and as a nation, we must unambiguously condemn bigotry, prejudice and discrimination.” — Congressman A. Donald McEachin

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“I have a message to the white supremacists and the Nazis who came into Charlottesville today — Go home. You are not wanted in this great Commonwealth. You pretend that you are patriots, but you are anything but patriots.” — Gov. Terry McAuliffe

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“I am deeply saddened and shaken by the events in Charlottesville. The senseless loss of life and the twisted and contorted faces of hatred on display were repulsive. … It is way past time to tell the full story in our city that contained the second largest slave trading market before the Civil War.  Those who turn toward that fact and face the personal devastation to the lives of African-Americans for more than 250 years will move us forward.” — Chris A. Hilbert, Richmond City Council president and 3rd District representative

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“I recently finished a book by Steven Levingston titled, “Kennedy and King: The President, the Pastor and the Battle Over Civil Rights.” This double biography chronicles the two leaders from 1960 to 1963. When I finished the book, I thought to myself, ‘What have black folk done to deserve such hatred?’ On Saturday, I had the same thought, ‘What have we done to deserve such hatred?’ ” — George Keith Martin, rector emeritus and alumnus, University of Virginia •

“We must address our racist history, welcome newcomers and uphold Virginia’s freedom of religion principle. The Virginia Interfaith Center will engage people of faith in standing and speaking out against hate and intolerance, educate congregations about ways to become more welcoming and support legislation in the General Assembly to welcome all, monitor and track hate crimes and establish a commission to look at what can be done.” — Kim Bobo, executive director, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy

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“All persons need to be a part of the solution – regardless of race, color, creed or religious background.  We must come together as a community in action, working to empower, educate and encourage one another as we stand together against racism and bigotry on any and all levels.” — Dr. Cheryl Ivey Green, president of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond and Vicinity