Sessions: Charlottesville violence ‘contrary to American values'

Attorney General Jeff SessionsJefferson (Jeff) Beauregard SessionsSessions unveils 'zero tolerance' policy at southern border McCarthy, Scalise just stop short of calling for Sessions to be held in contempt Hillicon Valley: Chinese firm asks feds to lift business ban | North Korean hackers grow more brazen | Panel advances DHS cyber pick | Dems want scrutiny of T-Mobile, Sprint merger MORE on Saturday denounced violence at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va., pledging support for local law enforcement. 

"We stand united behind the President in condemning the violence in Charlottesville and any message of hate and intolerance," Sessions said in a statement.

"This violence is totally contrary to American values and can never be tolerated."

He added that the Justice Department would support local and state officers on the scene "in any way possible."

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) confirmed Saturday night that at least three people were killed during the violent clashes.

One of the three died after a car plowed through a group of counter-protesters.

The anti-fascist demonstrators had taken to the streets after law enforcement cleared out the white nationalist groups that planned to hold a rally in the city. 

The scheduled "Unite the Right" rally never took place when McAuliffe declared a state of emergency and police ordered attendees to disperse. The white nationalist and anti-fascist groups clashed throughout the day, violently at times.

President Trump made a statement Saturday afternoon in New Jersey, during a previously scheduled appearance related to Veterans Affairs.

"We condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence on many sides — on many sides," Trump said.

- This post was updated at 7:50 p.m.