Aug 16, 2017 - Politics & Policy

Hundreds gather in Charlottesville to honor woman killed in protests

Alayna Treene

A man wears a purple sticker in honor of Heather Heyer while standing on line to attend a memorial service (Julia Rendleman / AP)

Hundreds of people came together Wednesday to honor Heather Heyer, the 32-year-old woman who was killed Saturday when a 20-year-old man rammed his car into a crowd of counter-protestors at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

During the emotional service, Heyer's friends and family used the opportunity to speak out against the violence and hate that took place over the weekend. Her mother, Susan Bro, made a powerful statement:

They tried to kill my child to shut her up. But guess what? You just magnified her.

Bro added: "I'd rather have my child, but if I have to give her up, by golly, let's make it count."
Father Mark Heyer: "No father should have to do this, but I love my daughter... she wanted to put down hate. And for my part, we just need to stop all this... stop and love one another."
Heyer's grandfather, Elwood Shrader: "She wanted fairness, she wanted justice, she wanted everybody to get equal respect."
Heyer's friend and coworker, Feda Khateeb-Wilson: "Thank you for making the word hate real. Thank you for making the word love even stronger."
President Trump, who has been under fire for his handling of the attack, tweeted his recognition of the service Wednesday: "Memorial service today for beautiful and incredible Heather Heyer, a truly special young woman. She will be long remembered by all!"
Attendees: VA Gov. Terry McCauliffe, Charlottesville Mayor Micahel Signer, and VA Sen. Tim Kaine were all present at the service.

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Hundreds gather in Charlottesville to honor woman killed in protests

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