Less than two months after the violent white supremacist, Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Va., that resulted in three deaths and dozens of injuries, white nationalist leader Richard Spencer returned to the college town with about 50 supporters on Saturday, Oct. 7 and gathered in Emancipation Park. Spencer announced the return to the city in a live stream on Twitter.
Back in Charlottesville https://t.co/0iwH1CT8sT
— Richard ☝????Spencer (@RichardBSpencer) October 7, 2017
According to The Hill, the group marched with tiki torches through downtown Charlottesville toward the Confederate statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee where they chanted "You will not replace us." Reportedly, the group also said "we will be back." The city previously covered the statue as it awaits removal.
Saturday's rally was very similar to the protest where white supremacists marched with torches near University of Virginia the Friday night before the Unite the Right rally on Aug. 12. CBS19 News posted video of this weekend's rally which dispersed after about 10 minutes, according to local officials.
Richard Spencer lead about 30 white nationalist gathered at Emancipation Park. pic.twitter.com/yERgDJFDhN
— CBS19 News (@CBS19News) October 8, 2017
Charlottesville Mayor Mike Signer tweeted about the rally, calling the group "neo-Nazi cowards" who aren't welcomed in his city.
Another despicable visit by neo-Nazi cowards. You’re not welcome here! Go home! Meantime we’re looking at all our legal options. Stay tuned.
— Mike Signer (@MikeSigner) October 8, 2017
Charlotesville Vice Mayor Wes Bellamy also tweeted about the rally and then released a full statement on Facebook.
It’s clear that these White Supremacists are using torches, fire, and hate speech to intimidate our citizens. That’s a crime.
— Dr. Wes Bellamy (@DrWesBellamy) October 8, 2017
Charlottesville newspaper The Daily Progress tweeted an official statement from Charlottesville police.
JUST IN: City police issue statement on rally, say officers followed Spencer's tour bus to ensure that they were leaving the city. pic.twitter.com/lZTtbeAfo3
— The Daily Progress (@DailyProgress) October 8, 2017