Vehicle plows into group of counter-protesters in Virginia, one dead
Aug 12, 2017, 11:37 AM | Updated: 2:18 pm
A vehicle plowed through a group of counter-protesters in Virginia at a white nationalist rally. At least 19 people were injured and another has died.
A state official says the driver of the car is in custody.
A Periscope stream containing graphic content and language showed the horrifying act in action, as several people were hit by a car that crashed into both protesters and other cars, clearing out the street.
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
According to the camera operator, there was a peaceful protest mobilizing and marching on the street when the car came through the crowd. The vehicle, with heavily tinted windows, was seen backing up and driving away. Another graphic video on Twitter showed the car entering and exiting the area.
The mayor of Charlottesville tweeted that one person has died.
I am heartbroken that a life has been lost here. I urge all people of good will–go home.
— Mike Signer (@MikeSigner) August 12, 2017
President Donald Trump spoke on the violence.
POTUS on Charlottesville: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence on many sides” pic.twitter.com/fXJtgpfxwC
— ABC News (@ABC) August 12, 2017
There were several reports of multiple injuries. Videos shared across social media showed blood and shoes on the ground.
Virginia State Police spokesperson say injuries in crash range from life threatening to minor. Did not say how many injuries. 1/
— Joe Heim (@JoeHeim) August 12, 2017
A state of emergency was declared and police dressed in riot gear ordered people at the rally in Charlottesville to disperse after chaotic clashes between white nationalists and counter-protesters occurred.
Small bands of protesters who showed up to express their opposition to the rally were seen marching around the city peacefully by mid-afternoon, chanting and waving flags. Helicopters circled overhead. As of 9:30 a.m., a city spokeswoman said a single arrest was reported. Emergency medical personnel have responded to eight injuries related to the event.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
