AUSTIN – Republican Party of Texas Chairman James Dickey issued the following statement on the tragic events in Charlottesville, VA this weekend.

“This weekend, protests and counter-protests escalated into what can only be called a domestic terrorism attack.

“I absolutely condemn this attack and the groups behind them in the strongest possible terms. Such hate and violence towards each other holds no place in the American republic. It divides us and attempts to intimidate the freedoms endowed by our Creator and established by our Declaration of Independence, freedoms naturally enjoyed by all Americans.

“Three lives were lost and many more changed forever in this senseless act. No matter the political philosophy, hatred and violence have no place in the political discourse.  

“My thoughts and prayers are with the city of Charlottesville and all affected by this tragedy.”