Earlier in the day, a car ran into a crowd of protesters in the city causing multiple injuries. According to media reports, the police detained the driver.
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
Dude driving car has been arrested. #Charlottesville pic.twitter.com/FFLgR7dsZ0
— Nick (@nicholasgraffis) August 12, 2017
"1 deceased, 19 injured in crash at 4th and Water streets. Fifteen other injuries reported related to rally downtown," the authorities said on the official Twitter account of Charlottesville city government.
City Mayor Mike Signer expressed condolences over this tragedy.
"I am heartbroken that a life has been lost here. I urge all people of good will — go home," Singer said on Twitter.
The governor of Virginia declared a state of emergency as thousands of white nationalists joined a violent rally held by Unite the Right in Emancipation Park protesting the removal of a statue honoring Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, which glorifies the era of slavery as critics say.
Media reported that up to 6,000 far-right activists including neo-Nazis arrived in Charlottesville to participate in the rally.
