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Protesters Clash with White Nationalists in Charlottesville, Resulting in Deadly Violence
Protesters gathered today in Charlottesville, Virginia, to oppose a white nationalist rally, but their demonstration took a tragic turn when a driver plowed a Dodge Challenger into a crowd, resulting in one death and injuring 19 others. The driver was reportedly apprehended by authorities, according to the Washington Post.
The city has recently experienced turmoil, as neo-Nazis and white nationalists have engaged in confrontations with counter-protesters. Although there have been reports of fistfights and pepper spraying in other areas, this incident represented the most severe and shocking act of violence so far. Eyewitnesses indicated that the Challenger sped down a narrow street filled with protesters, leaving little room for escape.
Warning: The videos below contain graphic content and strong language.
One video captures the moments leading up to the incident, where protesters chant “Who’s streets?” to which the crowd responds, “Our streets.” This chant is soon drowned out by the screams of horrified onlookers as the gray Challenger hurtles into the crowd, with the sickening sounds of impact audible.
In another clip, the Challenger collides with two parked vehicles at the end of the street before reversing, as bystanders are torn between aiding the injured and pursuing the driver.
Another angle reveals the Challenger gaining speed before crashing into the crowd, and as it retreats, viewers can see it sustained significant front-end damage while someone cries out for medical assistance.
Following the chaos, protesters assisted in rescuing individuals trapped in the damaged vehicles and tended to the wounded. A video shared on Twitter depicts the chaotic aftermath.
Shortly after the incident, law enforcement arrested the driver and recovered the vehicle, likely aided by numerous videos and photos taken by witnesses. While some reports indicated that the driver felt threatened by aggressive protesters, images emerging on social media contradict that assertion. Police are now appealing for anyone with footage or photos of the event to come forward.
Reports indicate that at least 20 people were treated for injuries at UVA Medical Center, with one individual succumbing to their wounds. Virginia’s Governor Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency earlier today, expressing his outrage at the “hatred, bigotry and violence” created by what he referred to as “mostly out-of-state protesters.”
We will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
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