In their words: Louisiana delegation calls for unity, accountability, prayers; 'We are all Americans first'

Louisiana's elected officials in Washington condemned white supremacy and racism again on Wednesday in the wake of deadly violence at a rally of neo-Nazis, Klu Klux Klansmen and other racists in Charlottesville, Viriginia, over the weekend.

One woman died and 19 more were injured when a car, allegedly driven by a white supremacist and Nazi sympathizer from Ohio, smashed into a crowd of anti-racist demonstrators. Two Virginia state troopers also died Saturday when their helicopter crashed while monitoring the Charlottesville demonstrations.

President Donald Trump's slow initial response to the events in Virginia — Trump said "many sides" were to blame for the violence — have sparked outrage and sharp criticism from a wide range of quarters, including some fellow Republicans. The president doubled-down on his controversial initial remarks Tuesday, again saying "there is blame on both sides."

Rep. Garret Graves, R-Baton Rouge

“The driver in Charlottesville is a murderer. There is no other way to defend, reclassify, temper or justify his actions. When radical people do despicable acts, the behaviors and the hate-filled mindsets that motivate them must be condemned unequivocally. What happened in Charlottesville this weekend is completely disgusting, and I’ve got zero tolerance for white supremacists and for any group or ideology that champions discrimination, racism and violence.

 "Those who hold such views are in the minority in this country. They feed off of hatred and they live to stir up controversy – but we can’t let them hijack the narrative of who we are as Americans or redefine what kind of country this is. The overwhelming majority of the countless people I interact with on a weekly basis here in Louisiana and from across the nation want unity. They want to come together and work toward real solutions to the challenges we face. They believe in America, they believe in each other and they believe in the dignity of individuals. And so do I.

"While there certainly are differences in opinion among our citizens, there is much more that we have in common and share. While once again citing my own imperfections, I urge our political leaders, community leaders, bloggers, social media users, the media and others to think carefully about the role we all may play in lifting up others, offering constructive input, and improving our community or indirectly contributing to the violence. We are all Americans first.”

Sen. John Kennedy, R-Madisonville

"In America, people who erroneously believe that one race is superior to another have the right to speak freely and nonviolently about their racist views. But I also have the right to freely and nonviolently condemn their views. And I do. David Duke has no credibility, doesn’t speak for most Americans, and certainly doesn’t speak for most Louisianians. By the way, he is a convicted felon; his federal prison number is 28213034."

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge 

“As my earlier statements made clear, white supremacists and Neo-Nazis who provoked this incident are reprehensible. Anything which prolongs or increases the attention they receive should be avoided.”

#Charlottesville pic.twitter.com/JpYKjo1V6u

— Bill Cassidy (@BillCassidy) August 12, 2017

Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans

“As Maya Angelou said, when people show you who they are, believe them the first time. President Trump’s contradictory statements and claims about wanting to ‘wait for the facts’ amount to one thing: He welcomes the support of white supremacists, which is why he has at least two of them working for him in the White House, and sees them as morally equivalent to anti-racist protesters. I never thought I would see the day when the president of United States would openly defend white supremacists. I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to hold this president accountable.”

Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Metairie

We must work together to defeat white supremacy and all forms of hatred. pic.twitter.com/F3xuVSMtOq

— Rep. Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) August 13, 2017

Scalise previously weighed in with a Facebook post on Sunday, offering condolences to the families of the protester killed in the attack and two Virginia state troopers who died when their helicopter crashed while monitoring the demonstrations:

"I'm disgusted by the violence and killing that took place in Charlottesville, and by the vile white supremacist bigotry that inspired it. There must be no tolerance for racism in our nation, and we must work together as Americans and human beings to defeat white supremacy and all forms of hatred. My prayers are with the loved ones of Heather Heyer, Lt. H. Jay Cullen, and Trooper-Pilot Berke M.M. Bates who tragically died as a result of this evil. May they rest in peace."

Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-Alto

"To be clear: I fully denounce the KKK, neo-Nazis, white nationalists and all forms of racism because racism is beneath real Americans who believe that all men are created equal. However, as horrible as racist views are, they are not a license for protesters to destroy public property. I think the President attempted to communicate those same feelings yesterday in his own way.

"The only way to bring our society back together is for all of us — the President, me and every American — to always strive for civility. Let’s show the racists we don’t have to stoop to their level to resolve our differences."

Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Port Barre

“Color does not define us. Ethnicity does not define us. Race does not define us. All of mankind was created in God's own image. We are one, bonded by spirit.

"Violence against our fellow citizen based on race is not an American value... not a Christian value... and should never be condoned. In this time, I am reminded of Philippians 2:3 KJV: 'Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.'

"The historical struggles of mankind to embrace the true love of brotherhood, as intended by Christ, continues. Our nation, our world, seeks redemption. But redemption is not a destination. It's a journey. Each of us is on that journey. Our nation...though anointed by God... is on that journey. Let us pray for peace amongst our fellow Americans.”

Rep. Mike Johnson, R-Bossier City