Hundreds of torch-wielding white nationalists marched through the University of Virginia last night. The rally took place ahead of Saturday’s alt-right Unite The Right event in Charlottesville. The demonstration was condemned by the university and lawmakers.
There were several hundred white nationalists who took place in the march on Friday night. It was an impromptu torchlit rally. The event led to violent exchanged with counter protestors.
The protest happened because of the ongoing dispute over the proposed removal of the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in Emancipation park, which is also known as Lee Park.
One protestor was arrested and charged with assault and disorderly conduct. Several injuries were also reported. One of the injured was a police officer.
Social media videos showed them chanting, “End Immigration,” “One people, one nation,” and “Blood and soil.” Blood and soil is a Nazi-linked ideology based on ethnic descent and territory.
Other chants included, “You will not replace us” and “White Lives matter.”
A smaller group of counter-protesters met the rally at Jefferson Satue on campus. The white nationalists surrounded them before a fight broke out. Police separated the two groups, reporting that it was unlawful assembly. There were also multiple reports of white nationalists using pepper spray against counter protesters.
