Chanting “White lives matter!” “You will not replace us!” and “Jews will not replace us!” several hundred alt-right white supremacists carrying torches marched in a parade through the University of Virginia campus last night.
The protest started after 9:30 p.m. and lasted no more than 20 minutes before ending in skirmishes when the marchers were met by a small group of counter-protesters at the base of a statue of Thomas Jefferson, the university’s founder.
A short brawl erupted after at least one of the counter-protesters apparently deployed a chemical spray, which affected the eyes of a dozen or so marchers. It left them helpless and seeking medical assistance.
Police had to jump in and broke up the fights. The marchers then disbanded, though several remained and were treated by police and medical personnel for the effects of the mace attack.
It was not clear if anyone was taken into custody. There were no immediate reports of any arrests.
The march came on the eve of the Unite the Right rally, a gathering of groups from around the country whose members have said they are being persecuted for being white and that white history in America is being erased.