United States: Protest planned in Richmond for Sept. 16

Event

A right-wing group, the "New Confederate States of America," has announced it will hold a protest in Richmond, Virginia, from 10:00 to 18:00 (local time) on Saturday, September 16. Although it did not obtain a license, as of September 13, the group confirmed it will stage a rally on Monument Avenue to preserve a statue of Civil War Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Richmond Police have announced it will enforce a "weapons-free zone" around the monument and has called in police officers from across the state.

Context

Tensions are high across the country after violence broke out at a Unite the Right rally organized by white-supremacist groups in Charlottesville on August 12. One person was killed and at least another 19 injured when an assailant identified as a white nationalist intentionally drove a car into a group of counterprotesters.

Advice

Individuals in Richmond are advised to avoid the demonstration as violence may flare up without warning. Monitor local news for up-to-date information regarding the location of any demonstrations and anticipate traffic disruptions in the vicinity of any such gatherings.