Tension and tragedy quaked Charlottesville, Virginia over the weekend as demonstrations by white supremacist groups were brought onto University of Virginia campus Aug. 11.
But the effects rippled outside of the campus and city, sparking cross-country reactions like those from Fresno State students.
According to The Cavalier Daily, U.Va.’s student newspaper, “several hundred white supremacists” led a torch-lit march on campus from Nameless Park to the statue of Thomas Jefferson where they surrounded a group of “counter-protesters.”
The Cavalier Daily’s Managing Editor, Tim Dodson tweeted live from the march:
Happening now near UVA pic.twitter.com/IxWOFnUhA2
”” Tim Dodson (@Tim_Dodson) August 12, 2017
White nationalist alt-right torchlit march going through UVA grounds: “you will not replace us” pic.twitter.com/QS8ebI9XOW
”” Tim Dodson (@Tim_Dodson) August 12, 2017
As members of the white nationalist alt-right gather in front of Jefferson statue, counter protesters chant #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/fGmdv7tQwJ
”” Tim Dodson (@Tim_Dodson) August 12, 2017
The Cavalier Daily reported the break out of a fight between the white supremacists and the counter-protesters after police worked to separate them. The march had been declared “an unlawful assembly.”
Friday night’s events magnified on Saturday, Aug. 12, during the “Unite the Right” rally where a group of protesters were run down by a vehicle. A woman was killed and 19 others injured, as reported by The Associated Press.
Like politicians, public figures and celebrities, Fresno State students took to Twitter with their opinions on the clash between the white supremacist groups and the anti-hate groups. Some weighed in on President Donald Trump’s response.
On many sides??? So it’s not okay for us to hate Nazi’s !??? Wtffff https://t.co/Gin3X4I7tD
”” monique (@MomoT0uch) August 12, 2017
I was having a very good day today until I watched CNN. #charlotesville #NorthKorea I don’t feel well #myanxietygotworse
”” Catalina Cárdenas (@catavxb) August 12, 2017
There is nothing wrong with being on the “right” side of the political spectrum and nothing wrong with being on the “left”.
”” Lesley (@lesleyzorra) August 12, 2017
What IS wrong is using violence and hate to advance your cause.
”” Lesley (@lesleyzorra) August 12, 2017
It’s truly sickening to see people taking advantage of the Charlottesville tragedy and politicizing it to advance their personal agendas.
”” Darius Rucker (@Galhieltoosaucy) August 12, 2017
Lmao now? Come on. It’s been this way! Slavery. Jim Crow. Lynchings. Mass incarceration. KKK. White supremacy has always been here. https://t.co/OfdeUbA6D2
”” (((Dadasovich))) (@adadasovich) August 12, 2017
Y’all I know politics is exhausting but you can’t stay in comfort while this is happening. Step on the white supremacists.
”” (((Dadasovich))) (@adadasovich) August 12, 2017
