U.S.

Co-organizer Of White Nationalist Rally Chased Away By Angry Crowd

Protesters confronted Jason Kessler at a press conference a day after violence at a rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Co-organizer Of White Nationalist Rally Chased Away By Angry Crowd
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An organizer of a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, had to run for safety after an angry crowd chased him from his own press conference. 

Jason Kessler helped plan the "Unite the Right" demonstration that took place Saturday. White nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" protested the removal of a Confederate statue. 

Counterprotesters were there too, leading to violent clashes between the two sides. One woman was killed when a car drove through a crowd. 

At his press conference Sunday, Kessler condemned any violence that took place the day before but clearly placed the blame on police.

Kessler argued, "What happened yesterday was a result of the Charlottesville police officers refusing to do their job. They stood down and did not follow through with the agreed-upon security arrangements." 

Kessler said his group spoke with officers for months to guarantee protesters and counterprotesters were able to "safely exercise their First Amendment rights." 

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His press conference appeared to be cut short when protesters took over the microphone. Police removed Kessler from the scene as protesters pushed him. At least one woman tackled Kessler before officers escorted him to safety. 

The man accused of driving through a crowd of counterprotesters Saturday will make his first court appearance Monday. James Alex Fields Jr. faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder.

Federal authorities are also starting a civil rights investigation into the incident.