BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug. 12 – U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement on the white nationalist demonstration in Charlottesville, Virginia:

“The white nationalist demonstration in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a reprehensible display of racism and hatred that has no place in our society. I am disgusted by the news, and my thoughts are with those in the Charlottesville community and around the country who have been targeted. While this incident is alarming, it is not surprising. Hate crimes and shows of hostility toward minorities have recently been surging. Now more than ever we must stand together against those who threaten our brothers and sisters.”