INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. –Indiana lawmakers are responding to the horrific attack in Charlottesville, in which one person was killed and 19 others were injured when a car plowed into a crowd on Saturday.
The crowd was counter-protesting a group of white-nationalists and other far-right groups who were on the University of Virginia campus for the "Unite the Right" rally. The purpose of the rally was to protest Charlottesville’s decision to remove relics of its Confederate past, such as a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee.
Additionally, two Virginia State Police troopers were killed when their helicopter crashed as they patrolled near the site of clashes.
The attack is raising concerns about state laws here in Indiana. Officials with the Fair Housing Center say Indiana needs stronger protections against hate crimes.
"There have been previous incidents occurring across the country, including in our own state," Amy Nelson said, executive director of the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana. "This is not an isolated incident. It's just a very public one."
Indiana is one of only five states that does not have a "hate crimes protection law." The group previously lobbied to get state leaders to pass a law, but those efforts failed.
"We'll look at this as the upcoming session begins," Gov. Eric Holcomb said Monday afternoon while calling the violence "sickening."
"There's nothing supreme about those white supremacists other than their stupidity," he said.
House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) said current state law allows judges to increase sentences for hate-related crimes, adding it may be time to clarify the language in state law.
"I think it's time to label now what we have as hate crime legislation to dispel really the misconception that cannot be considered by a judge in sentencing because it can be," he said.
Vice President Mike Pence
I stand with @POTUS against hate & violence. U.S is greatest when we join together & oppose those seeking to divide us. #Charlottesville https://t.co/p76Y9xQCPL
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) August 12, 2017
As @POTUS Trump said, "We have to come together as Americans with love for our nation... & true affection for each other." #Charlottesville https://t.co/UXDZ67cLGS
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) August 12, 2017
Karen & I saddened by the loss of lives in Charlottesville. Thoughts & prayers w/ families of officers & young woman.Also w/ injured victims https://t.co/4SSASEuLnO
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) August 12, 2017
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb
We must all condemn violence, bigotry & racism shown in Virginia today. Our thoughts & prayers w/ those who lost their lives or were injured
— Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) August 13, 2017
U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly
We must stand together against hatred and bigotry that doesn't represent our values as Hoosiers or Americans. -Joe #Charlottesville
— Archive: Senator Joe Donnelly (@SenDonnelly) August 12, 2017
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett
Yesterday's violence and racism in Charlottesville points my moral compass toward our Landmark for Peace... https://t.co/bN3J2OgoxH pic.twitter.com/lsX1wYcen4
— Mayor Joe Hogsett (@IndyMayorJoe) August 13, 2017
U.S. Senator Todd young
The love & compassion I see from Hoosiers daily is stronger than the fringe hatred on display in #Charlottesville. The former will prevail.
— Senator Todd Young (@SenToddYoung) August 12, 2017
U.S. Rep. Jim Banks
Whatever our political differences, we all must reject the hatred, bigotry, and racism on display in Charlottesville.
— Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) August 12, 2017
U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski
I strongly condemn the violence and bigotry on display in #Charlottesville. Such hateful acts go against everything we value as Americans.
— Jackie Walorski (@RepWalorski) August 12, 2017
South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg
We denounce all political violence. And we specifically denounce Nazism. To do both is not only possible, it is necessary. #charlottesville
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) August 12, 2017
U.S. Rep. Luke Messer
https://twitter.com/RepLukeMesser/status/897093721728176128
U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks
Violence has no place in our streets &neighborhoods. The hate, bigotry& racism spewed in #Charlottesville is deeply disturbing & un-American
— Susan W. Brooks (@SusanWBrooks) August 12, 2017
Attorney General Curtis Hill
In response to the senseless violence in Charlottesville: pic.twitter.com/nV3VGymRSF
— Curtis T. Hill, Jr. (@AGCurtisHill) August 12, 2017
U.S. Rep. Trey Hollingsworth
The bigotry demonstrated in #Charlottesville does not represent our great nation & must be condemned. Prayers to those injured or killed.
— Trey Hollingsworth (@RepTrey) August 13, 2017
