Brian Smith, chairman of Kosciusko County Democrats speaks to the crowd.

WARSAW — Around 100 local residents gather together in unity Monday, Aug. 14 at the Kosciusko County Courthouse. The gathering was a solidarity vigil held following a violent weekend in Charlottesville, Va.

Brian Smith, chairman of Kosciusko County Democrats, welcomed everyone to the vigil. “What happened this weekend was a tragedy. Warsaw stands for Charlottesville,” said Smith. “One reason why I thought it was important to have this in Warsaw is because there are 26 hate groups in Indiana and one right here in Warsaw.”

Attendees were invited to speak at the event and express their reasonings for showing support.

Shelly Gilliland brought a rainbow themed quilt she made after the Orlando Pulse Shooting. “I wanted to stand in Warsaw rather than going out of the county,” she said. “If we never stand up in Warsaw they are going to think no one is here.”

Around a dozen people came forward to share their opinions. The common theme throughout the night was the fact that there is support in Warsaw and residents need to speak up against hate. Minorities in attendance made it clear that they were thankful for the support being shown during the vigil.

A moment of silence was held for Heather Heyer, who lost her life after a car plowed into the crowd at Charlottesville. After the moment of silence was complete, the group walked around the courthouse square with candles.