Below is the full statement from the city n the tragic and horrific deaths that took place in the city of Charlottesville on Saturday, August 12, 2017.
Statement of Condolence on the Deaths of Heather D. Heyer, 32, of Charlottesville, Va., Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen, 48, of Midlothian, Va. and Trooper-Pilot Berke M.M. Bates of Quinton, Va.
\The City of Charlottesville and Charlottesville City Council send our thoughts to the families of the three Virginia residents who lost their lives yesterday, August 12, 2017.
Charlottesville resident Heather Heyer was struck down by a vehicle while exercising her peaceful first-amendment right to speech. This senseless act of violence rips a hole in our collective hearts. While it will never make up for the loss of a member of our community, we will pursue charges against the driver of the vehicle that caused her death and are confident justice will prevail.
Virginia State Police Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen and Trooper-Pilot Berke M. M. Bates were working with the Charlottesville Police and their brothers and sisters in the Virginia State Police to help ensure the safety of the many city residents and visitors who were in Charlottesville yesterday. These men gave their lives in the line of duty and our gratitude to them cannot be overstated.
On behalf of the City of Charlottesville and all of our citizens, we send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Ms. Heyer, Lieutenant Cullen and Trooper-Pilot Bates. Their loss is a loss for all of us and we mourn with you.