Former Presidents George HW Bush and George W Bush have called on the US to “reject racial bigotry, anti-Semitism and hatred in all forms”.
They are the latest Republican figures to weigh in on the backlash to Donald Trump’s latest remarks blaming “both sides” for violent clashes in Virginia.
It culminated with a woman’s death and nearly 20 wounded when a car ploughed into a crowd at the far-right rally.
Republicans were outraged when Mr Trump appeared to defend the organisers.
“As we pray for Charlottesville, we are reminded of the fundamental truths recorded by that city’s most prominent citizen in the Declaration of Independence: we are all created equal and endowed by our Creator with unalienable rights,” a statement from the two former presidents said.
“We know these truths to be everlasting because we have seen the decency and greatness of our country.”
The violent clashes in Charlottesville, Virginia, on Saturday have sparked a heated debate on US race relations.
A public memorial for Heather Heyer, the woman who was fatally struck by a car that ploughed into a group of anti-racism protesters, was held on Wednesday in Charlottesville.
Her mother, Susan Bro, delivered a powerful speech calling on people to “find a way to make a difference”. She added it was “just the beginning of Heather’s legacy, not the end”.
“They killed my child to shut her up. Well guess what, you just magnified her,” she said before the crowd erupted into a standing ovation.
“I’d rather have my child, but by golly, if I’m going to give her up, we’re going to make it count,” she said.
The fallout from Mr Trump’s comments on Tuesday continued in Washington, where Republican lawmakers reacted angrily.
Many echoed House Speaker Paul Ryan who said: “White supremacy is repulsive.. There can be no moral ambiguity.” -BBC
