EAST POINT, Ga. -- President Donald Trump once again blamed both sides for the deadly violence that took place in Charlottesville, Virginia over the weekend. Now Congressman John Lewis is firing back.
He was in East Point as part of a town hall on Tuesday taking questions from voters and 11Alive was there.
The congressman did talk about education and about healthcare but his big "elephant in the room" involved the recent remarks by President Trump.
Surrounded by local politicians and longtime constituents, Democratic Congressman John Lewis is a living civil rights legend in the fifth congressional district.
"I'm really proud to be here and witness this historic event," constituent Alfred White said.
Those who were there said they were looking for a word of encouragement and hope from the congressman.
They were looking for hope in the face of what another resident, Jackie George, called "so much hatred in the world."
Many are still reeling from the aftermath of last Saturday's violence in Charlottesville, Virginia where white nationalists and Nazi sympathizers clashed with counter-protesters. One of those counter-protesters was ultimately left dead and dozens more injured.
President Trump initially made a statement blaming both sides for the violence. Then after political pressure from Democrats and Republicans, he later read a prepared speech renouncing white nationalists and Nazi sympathizers.
But on Tuesday he went off script saying many counter protesters are just as guilty as the white nationalists.
"But there is another side - there was a group on this side you can call them the left," Trump said. "You called them the left - that came violently attacking the other group."
Lewis responded to those comments Tuesday night.
"It troubles me a great deal," he said.
With all eyes on the podium, Congressman Lewis offered a page right from the civil rights playbook of the 60s - protest in the streets and at the ballot box.
"Speak up, speak out, get in the way, get in trouble - good trouble and necessary trouble," he said. "We have to tell our people to get out and participate in the democratic process."
"The mere fact that he remains; I remain hopeful," one attendee said.
