(Stillness in the Storm Editor) This is a complex situation, and no sweeping statements can be made to paint any one group the victim. But I will say that there are some indications here that divide and conquer tactics are being used against the people. Objective morality dictates that perfect self-defense must be done in a non-aggressive capacity (aikido principal)— justifying violence, from either side, due to ideological reasons isn’t self-defense. I hope for speedy recoveries for all involved. And that all who went to this event took the opportunity to observe the situation so that we, as a people, can learn and grow from this tragedy.
(The Free Thought Project) Fighting has broken out at a ‘Unite the Right’ rally in Charlottesville between right-wing protesters and various other groups arguing over a statue.
Source – The Free Thought Project
by Staff Writer, August 12th, 2017
Fighting has broken out at a ‘Unite the Right’ rally in Charlottesville, Virginia between right-wing protesters demonstrating against the removal of a Confederate-era statue from Emancipation Park, and counter demonstrators.
The Unite the Right rally aims to “unify the right-wing against a totalitarian Communist crackdown” and “affirm the right of Southerners and white people to organize for their interests just like any other group is able to do.”
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
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
Police have declared a state of emergency in downtown Charlottesville, amid fears of escalating violence.
Clashes have started. Keep in mind, the rally doesn’t start officially until noon. #charlottesville #rally pic.twitter.com/DswIVyE6RB— Craig Stanley (@_CraigStanley) August 12, 2017
Fights breaking out. Pepper spray in the air #Charlottesville pic.twitter.com/xWizCxArC0— Christopher Mathias (@letsgomathias) August 12, 2017
— Alex Rubinstein (@RealAlexRubi) August 12, 2017
Here is a copy of today’s emergency declaration regarding the rally at Emancipation Park #cvilleaug12 pic.twitter.com/TOdXkhjuXK— Charlottesville City (@CvilleCityHall) August 12, 2017
Governor McAuliffe has declared a state of emergency to aid state response to violence at Alt-Right rally in Charlottesville— Terry McAuliffe (@GovernorVA) August 12, 2017
Saturday’s demonstration was organized by Jason Kessler, a former Daily Caller writer and activist, to protest against the removal of the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee from Emancipation Park.
The park used to be named Lee Park, after the Confederate general, but Charlottesville City Council voted to change its name in June.
Authorities are on high alert after a protest at the University of Virginia on Friday night saw counter-protesters surrounded by so-called ‘alt-right’ demonstrators carrying torches.
Clash between protesters and counter protesters. Police says “We’ll not intervene until given command to do so.” #Charlottesville pic.twitter.com/UkRDlNn2mv— ACLU of Virginia (@ACLUVA) August 12, 2017
The national socialist movement and others heading east on Market street. pic.twitter.com/hk6eD2Tfr3— Allison Wrabel (@craftypanda) August 12, 2017
— Alex Rubinstein (@RealAlexRubi) August 12, 2017
Riot police assembled just off of E. Jefferson St. pic.twitter.com/cxEgKIpFTd— C-VILLE Weekly (@cvillenews_desk) August 12, 2017
These are the guys arriving now. Overheard in crowd: “this is going to be unpleasant” pic.twitter.com/a18fmzSCza— Ned Oliver (@nedoliver) August 12, 2017
National guard prepares as local emergency as been declared in #Charlottesville for #UniteTheRight pic.twitter.com/KipCK5IHpQ— NBC29 (@NBC29) August 12, 2017
Efforts to move the protest to McIntire Park were quashed when a judge ruled Friday that it could go ahead at Emancipation Park.
Protest organizer Kessler is described as a white nationalist by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Charlottesville police nowhere to be found. Speakers not allowed to enter into speaking area #UniteTheRight https://t.co/bsMC0UsUUT— Jason Kessler (@TheMadDimension) August 12, 2017
White nationalist and ‘alt-right’ speakers expected at the Unite the Right event include Richard Spencer, Mike Enoch and Augustus Invictus. According to Kessler, “speakers [are] not allowed to enter into speaking area.”
Meanwhile, Virginia House Democrats have released a statement condemning the rally.
“As the former mayor of this beautiful, inclusive and progressive community, I am saddened that our city may draw thousands who would come here to sow division and hate,” House Democratic Leader David Toscano said.
“The alt-right agenda has been brought to Charlottesville by people who are neither from our community nor who represent its values. We will strive to ensure the day does not erupt into violence, and we will redouble our efforts to remain civically engaged so that darkness does not obscure our light.”
RELEASE: @VAHouseDems condemn today’s White Nationalist Rally in #Charlottesville #vagov https://t.co/hiCEuEEPPj pic.twitter.com/AT5BamvK1u— VA House Democrats (@VAHouseDems) August 12, 2017
Source – The Free Thought Project
WATCH: Blacked Out Car Plows into Protesters in Charlottesville Then Flees the Scene
by RT News, August 12th, 2017
(RT) A car has plowed into a group of counter-protesters at a ‘Unite the Right’ rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, RT journalist on the scene said, adding that there are “extremely heavy injuries.”
Video footage taken at the scene shows a damaged light-colored Toyota vehicle and a larger dark-colored SUV at the scene.
Tons of gas deployed. Police declare an unlawful assembly outside #antifa counter-protest of #UniteTheRight #Charlottesville pic.twitter.com/ActjiNBz0O— Alex Rubinstein (@RealAlexRubi) August 12, 2017
Police have cordoned off the scene.
“Please avoid area of 4th and water streets — multiple injuries after crash — cpd and va. state police responding,” Charlottesville police said on Facebook.
Video footage posted on Facebook shows the moment the dark gray car rams into the light gray car before violently reversing.
A number of people appear to be thrown into the air with the force of the crash. The street was crowded with demonstrators at the time.
.@intelwire #Charlottesville See actual footage of cars plowing into protesters at 2:35 into video here. Bad! https://t.co/XzTBL53HO8— Barb (@my2cnz) August 12, 2017
A witness told Ruptly he saw several people lying on the ground, being treated by medics.
#UniteTheRight woman taken away in ambulance. Witnesses tell me she twisted her ancle— Alex Rubinstein (@RealAlexRubi) August 12, 2017
Charlottesville City Hall tweeted authorities were responding to a “three vehicle crash” at Water and 4th Street, and that “several pedestrians” were struck and multiple injuries have been reported.
CPD & VSP respond to 3-vehicle crash at Water & 4th streets. Several pedestrians struck. Multiple injuries. 1/2 #cvilleaug12 pic.twitter.com/CJNTLIAuEp— Charlottesville City (@CvilleCityHall) August 12, 2017
As the story develops, more content is being shared online of the incident. Footage taken by Brennan Gilmore, former chief of staff to gubernatorial candidate Tom Perriello, shows the vehicle speeding towards the demonstrators as people can be heard screaming.
Moments later, the same car is seen reversing rapidly away from the scene of the crash.
Video of car hitting anti-racist protestors. Let there be no confusion: this was deliberate terrorism. My prayers with victims. Stay home. pic.twitter.com/MUOZs71Pf4— Brennan Gilmore (@brennanmgilmore) August 12, 2017
A look from above at the #UniteTheRight rally in #Charlottesville. It officially began 8 minutes ago pic.twitter.com/r1wcQp1n7L— Alex Rubinstein (@RealAlexRubi) August 12, 2017
I interviewed one of the guys hit by the #UniteTheRight car; not badly. He explains what happened #Charlottesville pic.twitter.com/iEr4nyTyF9— Alex Rubinstein (@RealAlexRubi) August 12, 2017
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