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WASHINGTON, D.C. –The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law issued the following statement in response to the first degree murder conviction of James Alex Fields, Jr., for the 2017 killing of Heather Heyer in Charlottesville, Virginia:

“James Fields is the face of violent white supremacy in America today. This conviction should send a strong message to all white supremacists across the country that they are not above the law and will be held accountable for their violent and deadly conduct,” said Kristen Clarke, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “The verdict stands as a powerful condemnation of the vile and ugly display of violence that played out on the streets of Charlottesville. With hate crimes on the rise, too many vulnerable communities live in fear that they may become the next victim of violence. In these difficult moments, communities must come together to heal and to learn so that we can stand together in unity against hate.”

Clarke continued, “The family and friends of Heather Heyer have shown great resiliency and courage in the wake of this tragedy. We hope that this verdict provides some small semblance of justice for Heyer’s family and all communities still reeling from the Charlottesville hate rally.”

Contact: Derrick Robinson, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Press@LawyersCommittee.org, 202-662-8317 (o), 240-473-3034 (c)

About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law: The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. Now in its 55th year, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is continuing its quest “Move America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and voting rights. For more information, please visit https://live-lawyers-committee-2020.pantheonsite.io

Learn more about their work to promote social justice and unity through the @HeatherHeyerF at www.heatherheyerfoundation.com.