Hundreds rally around US against white supremacists

People gather for a vigil in response to the death of a counter-demonstrator at the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, outside the White House in Washington, US, Aug 13, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

Saturday night, hundreds of people chanting against white supremacists gathered in front of Los Angeles Police Department, and blocked traffic in downtown LA for about half an hour.

On Saturday, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel issued a statement condemning the events in Charlottesville, where a state of emergency has been declared.

"We are saddened by the ongoing events in Charlottesville, and our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Virginia," Emanuel said. "As Americans our greatest strength is our diversity, and that is just as true in Chicago as it is across the country. Violence rooted in racism, bigotry and prejudice has no place in our society and must be condemned at every turn. As one of our nation's greatest voices for justice and peace, Martin Luther King Jr., reminded us all, 'we must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.'"

Hundreds of Chicagoans on Sunday gathered Downtown to condemn racism and bigotry.

About 400 people gathered at Millennium Park, then marched north to Trump Tower, carrying signs with slogans and images excoriating US President Donald Trump, Vice-President Mike Pence and Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

More than 700 people led by a group called Refuse Fascism also planned to gather at Millennium Park and march to Trump Tower for a "Chicago Stands With Charlottesville" rally.

"We must mourn and we also must organize," organizers wrote on Facebook. "We must show that right wing hate, racism, and violence will not be tolerated. Solidarity is needed."