(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) -- White nationalists holding Tiki torches marched Friday night through the University of Virginia in Charlottesville ahead of Saturday's far-right "Unite the Right" rally.
Chanting "white lives matter," "you will not replace us" and the Nazi-associated phrase "blood and soil," some of the white nationalists engaged with counterprotesters and scuffles broke out.
Police arrived on campus, declared it an unlawful assembly and ordered the crowds to disperse.
It is unclear if anyone was injured or arrested.
Teresa A. Sullivan, president of the University of Virginia, said in a statement Friday, "I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the hateful behavior displayed by torch-bearing protestors that marched on our Grounds this evening. I strongly condemn the unprovoked assault on members of our community, including university personnel who were attempting to maintain order."
Sullivan added, "Law enforcement continues to investigate the incident, and it is my hope that any individuals responsible for criminal acts are held accountable. The violence displayed on Grounds is intolerable and is entirely inconsistent with the university’s values."
Charlottesville Mayor Mike Signer said in a statement of the torch-bearing white nationalists, "I have seen tonight the images of torches on the Grounds of the University of Virginia. When I think of torches, I want to think of the Statue of Liberty. When I think of candlelight, I want to think of prayer vigils. Today, in 2017, we are instead seeing a cowardly parade of hatred, bigotry, racism and intolerance march down the lawns of the architect of our Bill of Rights."
Source WBAL
No comments:
Post a Comment