Charlottesville violence victim Heather Heyer, 32, was laid to rest today in a memorial service broadcast live on news networks around the country.
Heyer was at the Charlottesville rally this weekend to protest the white nationalist marchers who descended on the Virginia town, which then erupted into violence.
“She wanted to put down hate and…just stop all this stuff and just love one another,” said her father in a tearful speech at her memorial service.
It was clear Heyer was beloved by friends and family, who have come out to say that she was passionate about justice and helping others.
Heyer was killed when a man purposely ran his car through a crowded street area, the only fatal victim among 19 others who were injured.
In life, she worked as a paralegal and co-workers say she she always stood up against “any kind of discrimination.”
Friends and family were asked to wear purple, her favorite color, to the memorial service today and Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) attended as well. Some sported stickers with a heart that read “Heather” on them.
Just before the service began, President Donald Trump, who had notoriously not mentioned Heyer’s death in his first response to the Charlottesville violence, tweeted this:
Memorial service today for beautiful and incredible Heather Heyer, a truly special young woman. She will be long remembered by all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 16, 2017
A GoFundMe has been established for Heyer’s family in her honor. You can watch the memorial service here:
https://www.facebook.com/cnn/videos/10157185204486509/