Trump: 'Racism is evil,' DOJ opens civil rights investigation into death at Va. protest

WASHINGTON (Sinclair Broadcast Group) - President Trump delivered a statement Monday morning condemning the violence in Charlottesville that left three people dead and dozens more injured.

"No matter the color of our skin, we all live under the same laws, we all salute the same flag, and we are all made by the same almighty God," he stated.

The president said the Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into the death of Heather Heyer, who was hit by a driver during Saturday's protest in Charlottesville, Va.

"Racism is evil," he continued, explaining those who commit crimes in its name will be held accountable.

"We condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence, it has no place in America"

Trump faced criticism for his initial response to Saturday's violence, for which he blamed bigotry on "many sides."

He began his statement from the White House noting the accomplishments by his administration related to the economy.

On Monday, James Fields Jr. faced charges after authorities say he drove into a crowd, fatally injuring Heyer and hurting 19 others.

Heyer, 32, was among the hundreds of protesters who had gathered in Charlottesville to decry what was believed to be the largest gathering of white supremacists in a decade — including neo-Nazis, skinheads and Ku Klux Klan members — who descended on the city to rally against plans to remove a Confederate statue.

People gathered outside the courthouse where supporters of the driver argued their right to peacefully protest.

(WARNING: Video contains explicit language)

Those against their views shouted "Go home Nazis!"

The Associated Press contributed to this report.