Community Leaders Call For Peace After Violence At California Capitol

A group representing Sacramento's diverse communities joined together to denounce the violence that erupted on the state Capital grounds.

Hundreds of anti-fascists attacked a group of Neo-Nazis last Sunday. Ten people were hurt, with injuries ranging from stab wounds to cuts.

Stephen T Webb with the Sacramento Chapter of the NAACP says it was a senseless act on individuals that have a right to freedom of speech.

“Many of us have died for our freedom," says Webb. "We cannot let this hate drive us. We must win over hate and push it back. I ask you to stand up against hate. I ask you to stand up against injustice.”

Fabrizio Sasso with the Sacramento Central Labor Council says hateful speech is intentionally provocative. 

"It's meant to incite a reaction and it's a call to violence. We must preach and practice non-violence as a means to achieve our objectives," says Sasso.

Reverend Joy Johnson with Sacramento-Area Congregations Together says the violence was not representative of the city.

"Be courageous to speak up that we are indeed a good and a faithful and friendly and an inclusive society," says Johnson.

Community leaders say they’re not going to allow others to defame Sacramento and besmirch its reputation as diverse and accepting.