Gopal, Houghtaling, and Downey Respond to Tragedy in Charlottesville

Senate Candidate Vin Gopal, Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling, and Assemblywoman Joann Downey have released the following statement in response today's tragedy in Charlottesville, Virginia:

"The level of hatred and violence we are seeing coming out of Charlottesville is appalling and frightening. We condemn the racist rhetoric of these hate groups, who have used Nazi iconography, Nazi salutes, and hateful slurs and chants. These marchers are threatened by diversity and community, and their violent words and actions should have no place in our country. And we are deeply saddened to note the passing of one individual and injury to 19 others directly due to the violence stemming from today's events. We are praying for today's victims and their families.

"We are placing our confidence in local authorities and hope they will find a peaceful end to this situation. In the meantime, our thoughts are with those in Charlottesville who have been harmed who now fear they are not welcome in their community. Diversity makes our country strong, and it is something we should celebrate, just as we do in New Jersey and right here in Monmouth County."