Account Login/Registration

Access KamloopsBCNow using your Facebook account, or by entering your information below.


Facebook


OR


Register

Privacy Policy

UPDATE: Trump addresses the nation after 1 dead, 19 injured

(UPDATE: August 12th @ 3:30 p.m.) - President Trump addresses the situation in Charlottesville.

Later on Saturday afternoon, President Donald Trump addressed the nation regarding the violent acts still occurring in Charlottesville, Virginia.

He praised the Virginia State Police and the government officials for their "tremendous" work on controlling the situation.

Earlier on Saturday, a video was posted on Twitter, showing a car plow through one of the streets in Charlottesville where there appear to be counter-protesters were walking the streets.

People scatter as the car reverses through the crowd again.

*Warning: Some may find the video upsetting. There is also foul language amidst the screams.

Charlottesville City tweeted an update stating that one person has been killed and 19 injured in a crash that occurred at 4th and Water Street. They added that 15 other injuries had been reported related to the rally downtown.

The Virginia State Police reported that several pedestrians had been struck by the three-vehicle crash.

(Original Story: August 12th @ 10:30 a.m.)

A state of local emergency has been declared in Charlottesville, Virginia as a battle between white nationalists and counter-protesters broke out Friday and continued into Saturday.

Injuries incurred after people were hit with sticks, fists and pepper spray.

Virginia State Police moved in on Market Street as the clash between protesters and counter-protesters continued Saturday.

The VSP continued to tweet updates with videos of the march and photos of arrests made.

The University of Virginia released the following statement on Facebook:

"University of Virginia President Teresa A. Sullivan has condemned the demonstration that occurred on Grounds on the evening of August 11. The intimidating and abhorrent behavior displayed by the alt-right protestors was wrong. Those who gather with the intent to strike fear and sow division do not reflect the University’s values and will not influence or diminish the University’s commitment to inclusion, diversity and mutual respect. Included in these values also are a respect for the First Amendment rights to free speech and peaceable assembly.

The University of Virginia is a public institution and as such must abide by state and federal laws regarding the public’s right to access open spaces. While University policy speaks to the ability to reserve space inside University-owned facilities, permits or registration to access public and open outdoor spaces are not required. University policy also does not generally prohibit open flames in outdoor spaces.

With regard to the incident last night, University Police arrested one protestor and charged the individual with assault and disorderly conduct. Several injuries were reported, including one University police officer who was injured while making the arrest. Several other members of the University community sustained minor injuries during the confrontation.

Law enforcement did not deploy pepper spray or any other chemical agents. Reports indicate that the pepper spray was used by the protestors. Law enforcement on the scene declared an “unlawful assembly” once physical altercations among the protestors began to escalate.

The safety and well-being of every member of the University community and its visitors remains a top priority. The University continues to monitor developments in the City and is closely coordinating with state and local law enforcement. The University continues to discourage members of the University community from attending the planned downtown rallies.

President Teresa A. Sullivan issued the following statement Friday.

"As President of the University of Virginia, I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the hateful behavior displayed by torch-bearing protestors that marched on our Grounds this evening. I strongly condemn the unprovoked assault on members of our community, including University personnel who were attempting to maintain order.

Law enforcement continues to investigate the incident, and it is my hope that any individuals responsible for criminal acts are held accountable. The violence displayed on Grounds is intolerable and is entirely inconsistent with the University’s values."

On Friday night, protesters gathered and marched through the streets of Charlottesville. Videos on Twitter show the marchers chanting "White lives matter!"

The march was interrupted by counter-protesters and the clash resulted in a violent scene.

The event resulted in the closure of the University of Virginia for safety reasons.

Former KKK leader, David Duke, said in a video that he was protesting to ensure that President Donald Trump's promises would be fulfilled.

He added that they had gathered to "take our country back."

Democratic leader, Traci Pelosi described the event as creating scenes of bigotry and hate.

The American Civil Liberties Unit of Virginia was on the scene.

While many Americans waited to hear a response from President Donald Trump on the event, the First Lady tweeted a message encouraging free speech void of violence.

Contrary to the president's usual regular Twitter activity, his account had been dormant for the 15 hours.

Later on Saturday, the president tweeted out a general comment about violence in America.

KelownaNow has reached out to the Virginia State Police and is waiting for a response.



Send your comments, news tips, typos, letter to the editor, photos and videos to [email protected].



Weather
webcam icon

weather-icon
Fri
13℃

weather-icon
Sat
13℃

weather-icon
Sun
17℃

weather-icon
Mon
18℃

weather-icon
Tue
20℃

weather-icon
Wed
13℃
current feed webcam icon

Top Stories

Follow Us

Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Linkedin
Follow Our Newsletter
Privacy Policy