US: Far-right rallies in Washington, DC August 11-12

Event

Far-right groups have called for a "white civil rights rally" to take place in Washington, DC on Saturday, August 11, and Sunday, August 12, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville (Virginia). According to the National Park Service, the rallies will take place in Lafayette Square. The event is likely to draw at least 400 participants. Organizers from the Black Lives Matter civil group have announced on July 27 that they will hold a counter-protest in the city on the same day. Clashes between demonstrators and security personnel or counterprotesters cannot be ruled out. 

Context

Violence broke out at a Unite the Right rally organized by white supremacist groups in Charlottesville (Virginia) on August 12, 2017. One person was killed and at least another 19 injured when an assailant identified as a white supremacist intentionally drove a car into a group of counterprotesters.

Advice

Individuals in Washington, DC are advised to avoid demonstrations as a precaution, monitor local news for up-to-date information regarding the location of demonstrations, and anticipate traffic disruptions in the vicinity of any such gatherings.