Charlottesville protests escalate
What was meant to be a protest against the removal of a statue of Civil War general Robert E. Lee has turned into violence. One person has died as clashes between white nationalists and left-wing groups turned ugly.
The Confederacy lives on
Having lost the Civil War 152 years ago, many in the South hang on to a romanticized image of its history despite its erstwhile support of slavery. African-Americans and their liberal allies have taken umbrage to this, demanding the removal of symbols like the Confederate flag seen to be positively celebrating the war, which some in the South still refer to as "the war of Northern Aggression."
Clashes on the streets of Charlottesville
Protests were scheduled in Charlottesville, Virginia, after the city announced that a statue of Civil War general Robert E. Lee would be removed following the most recent public outcry against symbols glorifying the racist past of the South. Clashes soon broke out between opponents, chiefly led by white nationalist groups including the KKK, and left-liberals.
State of emergency
Some of the protesters attending the rally came dressed up in riot gear, signaling a willingness to engage in violent clashes. Local police were overwhelmed despite having reinforcements in place resulting in Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe declaring a local state of emergency in Charlottesville.
Car attack
The violence escalated on the second day of rallies and counter-protests when this care rammed another vehicle at great speed on the streets of downtown Charlottesville. One person died and at least 19 others were injured during the assault. The driver of the car has been taken into custody.
Making America great again
US President Donald Trump reacted to the events in Charlottesville, saying at a press conference that there was an "egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence, on many sides. On many sides." Commentators soon criticized the President for not explicitly condemning the white nationalist violence.
First responders on the scene
Emergency services quickly responded to those injured during the attack, as at least 19 people were injured. One 34-year-old woman was killed when being rammed by the car. A vigil was held later in the day in Charlottesville as well as in other parts of the country.
Spiral of hate
Vigils held in American cities are becoming increasingly commonplace, as violence between various social groups has grown in recent years. The deaths of several young black males at the hands of police officers has given rise to the "Black Lives Matter" movement, which has led calls to remove statues, flags and other symbols glorifying the racist aspects of the past of the South.