US: State of emergency declared in Virginia ahead of Charlottesville anniversary

Event

On Wednesday, August 8, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam declared that a state of emergency ahead of the one-year anniversary of deadly protests in Charlottesville. The state of emergency will remain in effect until September 12 unless it is amended or rescinded by the governor. According to the Governor's Office, multiple events are scheduled to take place in Charlottesville from Friday, August 10, through Sunday, August 12, to commemorate the three people who were killed in the protests. A heightened security presence is anticipated in Charlottesville through Sunday.

Context

Violence broke out at a Unite the Right rally organized by white supremacist groups in Charlottesville 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 counter-protesters.

Far-right groups have also called for a "white civil rights rally" to take place in Washington, DC, on August 11 and August 12, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the 2017 Unite the Right rally. A series of counter-protests have also been announced to coincide with the far-right demonstrations.

Advice

Individuals in Virginia, particularly in Charlottesville, 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.