United States: KKK members to rally in Charlottesville, VA July 8

Event

A chapter of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is planning to hold a rally in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia, on Saturday, July 8. The demonstration will start at 15:00 (local time) in Justice Park and around 80 to 100 people are expected to participate. According to KKK leaders, most of the demonstrators will be armed and will “defend themselves if attacked.” Anti-KKK counter-protests should be anticipated and tensions will likely be elevated in the area surrounding the rally. Expect increased security measures around the protest.

Context

The KKK is a white supremacist hate group that has been active in the United States since shortly after the end of the American Civil War (1861-1865). Saturday’s protest is to denounce the Charlottesville City Council’s plans to remove a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee from a park in the city. They are also opposing the decision to change the name of Lee Park to Emancipation Park.

Advice

Individuals in Charlottesville are advised to avoid any protests due to the risk of violence and to anticipate limited traffic disruptions.