United States President Donald Trump has finally condemned the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), neo-Nazis and white supremacists after facing fierce criticism for condemning hatred 'on all sides' after the Charlottesville terror attack.
"Racism is evil, and those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the KKK, neo-Nazis and white supremacists and other hate groups that are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans," Mr Trump told reporters.
"We are a nation founded on the truth that all of us are created equal."
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Both Republicans and Democrats have criticised Mr Trump for taking too long to explicitly condemn white supremicists.
His comments come hours after the chief executive of his Manufacturing Council resigned in protest, saying he was taking a stand against intolerance.
On Saturday (local time) a man drove into a crowd of anti-fascist protesters, killing Heather Heyer, 32, and injuring 19 others.
The attack came after hours of clashes between the neo-Nazis and counter-protesters.
On Monday, James Alex Field was charged with second-degree murder, three counts of malicious wounding and one count of hit and run. He was denied bail.
While Mr Trump has been slow to specifically condemn neo-Nazi groups, other officials - including Republicans - sent swift, unequivocal messages.
"Go home. You are not wanted," Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe told white supremicists and Nazis on Saturday.
His comments were echoed by Republican senator Cory Gardner, who urged Mr Trump to "call evil by its name".
"These were white supremacists and this was domestic terrorism," he said.
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