U.S.

Organizer Of Deadly Charlottesville Rally Withdraws Permit Request

City officials say he didn't give a reason for withdrawing his request.

Organizer Of Deadly Charlottesville Rally Withdraws Permit Request
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One of the organizers of last year's deadly "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, has withdrawn his request to hold an anniversary rally in August. 

Jason Kessler was at a hearing Tuesday for his case against the city, challenging its denial of his permit application in December 2017. City officials say he didn't give a reason for withdrawing his request. 

Technically, Kessler could still show up with a group at Market Street Park without a permit, as long as there aren't more than 50 people in the group. 

A spokesperson told CNN city officials still expect a "large spontaneous crowd to commemorate the [rally's] anniversary."

Last year's rally in Charlottesville turned violent, leaving one person dead and dozens of others injured. 

In June, Kessler got initial approval to hold a "white civil rights" rally planned for Aug. 12 in Washington, D.C., across from the White House. The details are still being worked out, though.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.