Protesters took to the streets of downtown Los Angeles Saturday evening to condemn racism after deadly violence erupted at a white nationalist rally in Virginia.

Demonstrators carrying hand-written signs such as "F--- white supremacy" could be heard chanting "No KKK, no fascist USA" in Pershing Square.

A similar gathering took place in Orange County around 6:30 p.m. Anti-racist groups gathered in Santa Ana to rally "in opposition to the message of hate." The answer is "hope not hate," the group said in a news release.

Earlier in the day, a car plowed into a crowd of people in Charlottesville, Virginia, peacefully protesting what is believed to be the largest group of white nationalists to come together in a decade.

One person was killed and more than a dozen were injured.

[NATL] Dramatic Photos: Violent Clashes at White Nationalist Rally in Virginia

The driver was later identified by police as James Alex Fields Jr. of Ohio. Police say Fields, 20, has been charged with second-degree murder, three counts of malicious wounding, and one count related to leaving the scene. A bond hearing is scheduled for Monday.



Shortly after the crash, a Virginia State Police helicopter that officials said was assisting with the rally crashed outside Charlottesville, killing the pilot and a trooper.

The Virginia governor declared a state of emergency, and police dressed in riot gear ordered people out. The group had gathered to protest plans to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, and others arrived to protest the racism.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti also spoke out on the "shocking violence" in Charlottesville.

"The shocking violence in Charlottesville -- and the abhorrent ideology behind it -- have no place in America or anywhere in the world. Angelenos and people everywhere condemn these acts of hatred, and are deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries suffered today. We stand with (Charlottesville) Mayor (Mike) Signer and everyone in his city with hope and prayers for peace to be restored," Garcetti said.