WASHINGTON -- Thousands of people wanting to send a message that racism is unwelcome in the United States gathered in a park outside the White House to protest a white nationalist rally on the anniversary of the deadly violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. In the end, fewer than two dozen white nationalists showed up. The events in Washington and others in Charlottesville, largely peaceful though tense at times, marked a year since one of the largest gatherings of white nationalists and other far-right extremists in a decade. One person was arrested in Washington on Sunday, and four others were arrested in Charlottesville. In Charlottesville, the mother of the woman killed at last summer's rally visited the site of the attack, saying the country's racial wounds still have not healed. In Washington, a phalanx of police and a maze of metal barriers separated the small group of white nationalists from shouting counterprotesters within view of the White House. Jason Kessler, the principal organizer of last year's "Unite the Right" event, led the Sunday gathering he called a white civil rights rally in Lafayette Park. Kessler said in a permit application that he expected 100 to 400 people to participate, but the actual number was far lower: only around 20. Kessler's group was dogged by jeering crowds from the moment they emerged from the Foggy Bottom Metro station; they marched about a mile to the White House surrounded by uniformed officers and police vehicles. Behind the barricades, in the northern half of the park, thousands of counterprotesters struggled to even catch a clear glimpse of the white nationalist rally. The counterprotesters had gathered hours earlier in Lafayette Park and nearby Freedom Plaza. Makia Green, who represents the Washington branch of Black Lives Matter, told Sunday's crowd in Freedom Plaza: "We know from experience that ignoring white nationalism doesn't work." After about 90 minutes, the white nationalists were packed into a pair of vans and driven to safety. President Donald Trump, who further enflamed tensions last year by blaming "both sides" for the violence, wasn't at home this year -- he has been at his golf club in New Jersey for more than a week on a working vacation. Washington Police Chief Peter Newsham credited his forces for successfully avoiding violence and keeping the two sides separated. Newsham called it, "a well-executed plan to safeguard people and property while allowing citizens to express their First Amendment rights." Earlier in the day in Charlottesville, the mother of Heather Heyer, the 32-year-old killed during last year's rally, said there's still much healing to be done. Susan Bro laid flowers at a makeshift memorial at the site of the attack in downtown Charlottesville. With a crowd gathered around her, she thanked them for coming to remember her daughter but also acknowledged the dozens of others injured in the attack and the two state troopers killed when a helicopter crashed that day. "There's so much healing to do," Bro said. "We have a huge racial problem in our city and in our country. We have got to fix this, or we'll be right back here in no time." Hundreds of neo-Nazis, skinheads and Ku Klux Klan members and other white nationalists descended on Charlottesville on Aug. 12, 2017, in part to protest over the city's decision to remove a monument to Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from a park. Violent fighting broke out between attendees and counterprotesters. Authorities eventually forced the crowd to disperse, but chaos erupted again when the car barrelled into the crowd. James Fields Jr., of Maumee, Ohio, is charged in state court with murder in Heyer's killing and faces separate hate crime charges in federal court. He pleaded not guilty last month to the federal charges. The day's death toll rose to three when the state police helicopter crashed, killing Lt. Jay Cullen and Trooper-Pilot Berke Bates. Among the other anniversary events was a Sunday morning community gathering at a park that drew more than 200 people. The group sang and listened to speakers, among them Courtney Commander, a friend of Heyer's who was with her when she was killed. "She is with me today, too," Commander said. Law enforcement officials faced blistering criticism after last year's rally for what was perceived as a passive response to the violence that unfolded. A review by a former U.S. attorney found a lack of co-ordination between state and city police and an operational plan that elevated officer safety over public safety. The anniversary weekend was marked by a much heavier police presence, which also drew criticism from some activists. Demonstrators on Sunday marched through Charlottesville chanting, "Cops and Klan go hand in hand," and "Will you protect us?" After the white nationalists left Washington, police had a tense standoff with about 150 masked anti-fascist, or antifa, protesters who marched through downtown blocking traffic. Police shoved back advancing members of the far-left-leaning militant group, and an officer used pepper spray, but no tear gas was deployed. Charlottesville officials reported four people were arrested in the downtown area Sunday, and eight total arrests over the weekend. Two arrests stemmed from a confrontation near the Lee statue, where a Spotsylvania, Virginia, man stopped to salute, a Charlottesville woman confronted him and a physical altercation took place, officials said. Investigations were also underway into assaults against three police officers, the city's police chief said Monday. ------ Kunzelman reported from Charlottesville and Rankin reported from Richmond, Virginia.<doc-sep>Charlottesville, Virginia, has marked the anniversary of last year's white supremacist violence with marches, vigils and other community events that began unfolding peacefully amid a heavy police presence. As many businesses in a popular downtown shopping district began to open on Saturday, law enforcement officers outnumbered visitors. Concrete barriers and metal fences had been erected, and police were searching bags at two checkpoints where people could enter or leave. AAP Getty Saturday marked the anniversary of a night march by torch-toting white supremacists through the University of Virginia's campus a day ahead of a larger rally in Charlottesville's downtown. On August 12, hundreds of white nationalists - including neo-Nazis, skinheads and Ku Klux Klan members - descended on Charlottesville in part to protest the city's decision decided to remove a monument to Confederate General Robert E. Lee from a park. 0:00 00:00 / 00:00 Share Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Violent fighting broke out between attendees and counterprotesters that day. Authorities eventually forced the crowd to disperse, but a car later barreled into a crowd of peaceful counterprotesters, killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer. The day's death toll rose to three when a state police helicopter that had been monitoring the event and assisting with the governor's motorcade crashed, killing two troopers. APP Among the remembrance events that occurred on Saturday was a "morning of reflection and renewal" at UVA that featured musical performances, a poetry reading and an address from University President James Ryan. Ryan recalled how a group of students and community members faced off against the white supremacist marchers near a statue of Thomas Jefferson on campus, calling it a "remarkable moment of courage and bravery". Read more Charlottesville one year on: Protests to target White House On Saturday campus security personnel used metal detectors to screen rally participants and journalists before they entered the university's famed Rotunda. A helicopter buzzed overhead. Large trucks blocked off the nearby roads. AAP By midafternoon, the city said hundreds of people had passed through the downtown checkpoints. Police arrested three men in or near the secured perimeter for trespassing, possessing prohibited items and being drunk in public, the city said in a news release. AAP<doc-sep>Send this page to someone via email A group of anti-fascist activists are rallying peacefully in downtown Charlottesville, a year to the day after last summer’s white supremacist violence struck the city. A few dozen black-clad demonstrators marched through downtown Saturday afternoon, stopping to pause for a moment of silence at the site where a woman protesting a white nationalist rally was killed last August. Some in the group scrawled messages in chalk at the site that hosts a makeshift memorial to Heather Heyer, who was killed when a man drove his car into a crowd of people protesting the white supremacist demonstrators. Several police officers watched from a distance. Heyer’s mother, Susan Bro, was in attendance at this year’s memorial event. The group then continued marching, with some members carrying a sign that read, “Good night white pride.” WATCH: Security increased in Charlottesville for anniversary of Unite the Right rally 1:45 Security increased in Charlottesville for anniversary of Unite the Right rally Security increased in Charlottesville for anniversary of Unite the Right rally – Aug 11, 2018 As the activists made their way wordlessly through a downtown pedestrian mall, people sitting outdoors at cafes began singing “This Little Light of Mine.” Story continues below advertisement The demonstrators were met by heavy security, at times outnumbered by police. Around 10 a.m. Saturday, when many shops were beginning to open, law enforcement officers outnumbered visitors in the popular downtown shopping district. Concrete barriers and metal fences had been erected, and police were searching bags at two checkpoints where people could enter or leave. READ MORE: Charlottesville rally anniversary to mark 1 year since deadly white nationalist demonstration Lara Mitchell, a sales associate at Ten Thousand Villages, a shop that sells artwork, jewelry, and other items, said the security seemed “a little bit over the top.” But she added she doesn’t fault authorities for taking such strict measures, saying, “It’s nice that they’re here to protect us.” View image in full screen A woman draws on a wall near a memorial to Heather Heyer ahead of the one year anniversary of the 2017 Charlottesville “Unite the Right” protests in Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S., August 11, 2018. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson U.S. President Donald Trump said he condemns “all types of racism and acts of violence” as he marked the one-year anniversary of 2017’s deadly clashes in Charlottesville, Virginia. Story continues below advertisement The riots in Charlottesville a year ago resulted in senseless death and division. We must come together as a nation. I condemn all types of racism and acts of violence. Peace to ALL Americans! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 11, 2018 It was a dramatic shift in tone from last year, when he said there was “blame on both sides” for the violence that broke out when white nationalists descended on Charlottesville to protest the removal of Confederate statutes and marched through town shouting racist slurs. Trump said then the group included “fine people.” In Saturday’s tweet, Trump said the “riots in Charlottesville a year ago resulted in senseless death and division.” He added that, “We must come together as a nation. I condemn all types of racism and acts of violence. Peace to ALL Americans!” Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: He added that, "We must come together as a nation. I condemn all types of racism and acts of violence. Peace to ALL Americans!" Coverage of Charlottesville on Globalnews.ca: Story continues below advertisement The president of the University of Virginia has offered an apology to the students and community members who faced off a year ago against white supremacists during a march through campus. READ MORE: Charlottesville declares state of emergency on anniversary of deadly white supremacist rally UVA President James Ryan spoke to a crowd gathered Saturday morning for a service of reflection on the anniversary of the march. He said that those who stood up against the racists showed remarkable “courage and bravery” and that the university must admit its mistakes. Critics have said the university was unprepared and didn’t do enough to intervene during the clashes, which left several people injured. Specifically addressing those who were attacked during the march, Ryan said, “I am sorry. We are sorry.” The service also featured musical performances, a poetry reading and a moment of silence.<doc-sep>Multiple events are planned in the Charlottesville over the weekend. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and the city of Charlottesville have declared a state of emergency ahead of the anniversary of the violent Unite the Right rally. The first iteration of the group's rally took place in the sleepy Virginia town last August. On the anniversary on Sunday, large protests and parades are planned in Washington, D.C., as well as smaller memorial events in Charlottesville. On Aug. 12, 2017, Heather Heyer, 32, was killed when she was struck by a car that had plowed into a crowd of counter-protesters. Two Virginia State troopers were also killed that weekend when their helicopter crashed into woods nearby. Several events are planned in the Charlottesville area beginning Friday through Sunday to mark the anniversary of the rally, Northam's office said. Northam asked residents to "make alternative plans to engaging with planned demonstrations of hate." "Virginia continues to mourn the three Virginians who lost their lives in the course of the demonstrations a year ago," Northam said. "We hope the anniversary of those events passes peacefully." Resources from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Health and Virginia National Guard will be present in Charlottesville over the weekend. The declaration, which was issued Wednesday, will also allocate $2 million to pay for the response, according to the governor's office. The 2017 event in Charlottesville stemmed from a gathering of white nationalists and alt-right supporters who formed the "Unite the Right" rally. The outward purpose of the rally was to protest the city's plans to remove a statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee, who led the Confederate army during the Civil War, from a local park. Hundreds of counter-protesters clashed with the rally attendees, causing violent brawls to break out in the street, prompting then-Gov. Terry McAuliffe to declare a state of emergency. Heyer, a counter-protester, was killed and several others were injured when a driver plowed through a crowd of people. What is expected to happen this weekend? In addition to the events in Charlottesville, much attention will be paid to the "Unite the Right" parade and rally, which is slated to take place in Washington, D.C., on Sunday. Permits for protests have been granted in different parts of the nation's capital with the organizers of the original "Unite the Right" rally planning to march from a nearby Metro station to a demonstration in Lafayette Square Park, directly opposite the White House. Counter-demonstrations have also received permits, including groups like Black Lives Matter and an individual who plans to burn a Confederate flag in Lafayette Park. More details about the demonstrations are expected to be released in the coming days. ABC News' MEGHAN KENEALLY contributed to this report.<doc-sep>
Images of neo-Nazis marching in the streets and violent clashes between alt-right protesters and counterprotesters in Charlottesville last year are still fresh in many residents' minds. On Aug. 12, 2017, a "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville turned deadly when a 20-year-old Ohio man allegedly accelerated his car into a crowd of counter-protesters, killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer and leaving 19 others injured, five critically. Now, some of the same right-wing groups involved in those events in Charlottesville are planning another protest to coincide with the anniversary this weekend. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and the city of Charlottesville declared states of emergency ahead of this weekend’s anniversary. The governor said in a press conference Wednesday he will allow agencies to call in the National Guard to assist in security efforts. But larger protests are planned for Washington D.C. Here's what you need to know. What happened last year? Charlottesville, best known for being home to the state university created by Thomas Jefferson, may seem like an unusual choice for a heated battle involving neo-Nazis, but there was a reason that "Unite the Right" organizers chose the town for their rally. Charlottesville had been in a months-long battle over what to do with a statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee, who led the Confederate army during the Civil War. Many cities across the country have been grappling with what to do with their Confederate statues, as some feel that they are reminders of a dark time of racism in U.S. history and should be taken down. Earlier in 2017, the Charlottesville City Council had voted to remove the Lee statue and rename the park where it is located. A group of white nationalists protested the decision in May, prompting criticism from the mayor. But that protest paled in comparison to what unfolded in August. The "Unite the Right" rally was scheduled for Sat. Aug. 12 and participants started to gather in Charlottesville the night before. A group of white nationalists holding lit tiki torches marched through the campus of the University of Virginia, some chanting the Nazi-associated phrase "blood and soil." The formal rally was scheduled to start at noon Saturday but the first skirmishes of the day between protesters and counter-protesters were reported that morning. Tensions soared and Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency before noon that day. The violence reached its peak at 1:42 p.m. when James Alex Fields rammed his car into a crowd of counterprotesters. Heyer was killed and 19 others were injured. Two Virginia State Police troopers were killed when their helicopter crashed outside of Charlottesville. The troopers, Lt. H. Jay Cullen and Trooper-Pilot Berke M.M. Bates, were lending air support in response to the violence in Charlottesville. Trump's controversial response President Donald Trump was spending time at his golf club in Bedminister, New Jersey, and released a statement condemning the violence but not calling out the white nationalist and neo-Nazi groups in attendance. "We condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry, and violence on many sides — on many sides," Trump said in a short statement delivered in New Jersey. "It's been going on for a long time in our country. Not Donald Trump. Not Barack Obama. It's been going on for a long, long time." Trump tweeted twice more that afternoon, offering condolences to the families of Heyer and the troopers, but did not make any specific mention of the controversial groups. On Aug. 13, a White House spokesperson who would not be publicly identified released a statement about Trump’s comments Saturday. "The president said very strongly in his statement yesterday that he condemns all forms of violence, bigotry, and hatred, and of course that includes white supremacists, KKK, neo-Nazi and all extremist groups. He called for national unity and bringing all Americans together," the White House spokesperson said. It wasn't until two days later, on Monday afternoon, that Trump made another televised statement, this time, being more explicit. "Racism is evil. And those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the KKK, neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other hate groups that are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans," he said. "To anyone who acted criminally in this weekend's racist violence, you will be held fully accountable. Justice will be delivered," he added. But Trump added more fuel to the fire on Tuesday, Aug. 15 during a televised press conference in which he lashed out at criticism of his initial statement.