Trump’s expected visit, Charlottesville rally prompt NYC protests

Protesters anticipating President Donald Trump’s return to New York City this week took to the streets of Manhattan on Sunday to denounce his response to the recent unrest in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Holding signs that read “Call out Evil” and “No Hate. No Violence,” dozens of protesters with the left-leaning group Refuse Fascism marched from Columbus Circle to Times Square, demanding Trump disavow white nationalist groups — including the KKK and neo-Nazis — who have clashed with anti-racism protesters in Charlottesville.

As protesters made their way through Times Square, they chanted the name of Heather Heyer, 32, who was killed in Charlottesville after a car plowed through a street crowded with peaceful anti-racism protesters. Police identified the driver as an Ohio man, and word later emerged that he has ties to the so-called alt-right movement.

“Say her name. Say her name. Heather Heyer rest in power,” chanted a line of more than 100 anti-Trump protesters snaking their way through the crowded streets of Times Square.

Protesters on Sunday criticized Trump for saying a day earlier that the violence in Charlottesville stemmed from “many sides.” Citing Heyer’s death, they argued that the white nationalist groups incited the violence.

“Did Trump call out these thugs, these murderers for what they are? No!” shouted Travis Morales, an organizer with Refuse Fascism, as he addressed protesters in Columbus Circle.

On Saturday evening Trump tweeted: “Condolences to the family of the young woman killed today, and best regards to all of those injured, in Charlottesville, Virginia. So sad!”

The protest was one of two anti-Trump demonstrations planned in Manhattan for Sunday. Another was set to take place in front of Trump Tower between 5 and 7 p.m.

By Laura Figueroa Hernandez

laura.figueroa@newsday.com@Laura_Figueroa

Laura Figueroa Hernandez is the White House correspondent and previously covered New York City politics and government. She joined Newsday in 2012 after covering state and local politics for The Miami Herald.