Today a neo-Nazi march in Charlottesville, VA, degenerated into violence and forced Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe to declare a state of emergency as the local government invoked Virginia’s “unlawful assembly” statute to end the march/riot/street brawl. President Trump is in Bedminster, NJ, and, unlike a lot of other events, he’s been quick to weigh in on this one.

We ALL must be united & condemn all that hate stands for. There is no place for this kind of violence in America. Lets come together as one!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2017

First Lady Melania Trump has also addressed the subject:

Our country encourages freedom of speech, but let's communicate w/o hate in our hearts. No good comes from violence. #Charlottesville

— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) August 12, 2017

And the administration has reached out to McAuliffe to offer any assistance needed.

The White House says it has been in touch with Va. Gov. Terry McAuliffe's chief of staff and local law enforcement authorities.

— Jenna Johnson (@wpjenna) August 12, 2017

Trump’s rapid acknowledgment of what was happening in Charlottesville and his unqualified rejection of the message as well as the violence is welcome. Trump played footsie with these guys way too much for comfort during the primary season and maybe this will serve as a way for him to make a clear policy and rhetorical break with this fringe group that believes it won the election.