University Of Virginia March Sees White Nationalists Carrying Torches Clash With Counter-Protestors

The city's mayor slammed it as a 'cowardly parade of hatred, bigotry, racism and intolerance'.
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A mob carrying torches and chanting slogans marched on a US university on Friday night.

The group moved through the University of Virginia, in Charlottesville, shouting things such as “Jews will not replace us”, “white lives matter”, the BBC reported.

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Right-wing protestors shout while holding burning torches aloft
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White nationalists surround counter-protestors at the University of Virginia
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The “alt-right” protest was over plans to remove a statue of confederate General Robert E Lee.

The marchers surrounded a church, where many of those worshipping were black, prompting some to express their fear on social media.

There were scuffles between the demonstrators and counter-protestors, with some claiming the pro-statue protestors attacked the counter-demonstrators

Although pepper spray was used on a number of people, it was unclear if this was deployed by police.

Charlottesville Mayor Mike Signer said: “I have seen tonight the images of torches on the Grounds of the University of Virginia.

“When I think of torches, I want to think of the Statue of Liberty.

“When I think of candelight, I want to think of prayer vigils.

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White supremacists march through the University of Virginia Campus
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“Today, in 2017, we are instead seeing a cowardly parade of hatred, bigotry, racism, and intolerance march down the lawns of the architect of our Bill of Rights.

“Everyone has a right under the First Amendment to express their opinion peaceably, so here’s mine: not only as the Mayor of Charlottesville, but as a UVA faculty member and alumnus, I am beyond disgusted by this unsanctioned and despicable display of visual intimidation on a college campus.”

There were no reports of arrests.

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A larger 'alt-right' rally was due to be held on Saturday
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Ku Klux Klan supporters staged a march in Virginia last month, but were easily outnumbered by counter-protesters.

The march came ahead of a larger right-wing rally in the city, dubbed Unite The Right, planned for Saturday which between 2,000-6,000 are expected to attend.