Free Speech in the Hands of Death.

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution grants Americans freedom of speech, and the right to a peaceful gathering to protest the government. People often confuse the difference of free speech lacking the idea that there are limitations set in place. One example is violence. No one can make offensive remarks, insults, or threaten violence that could potentially lead to a fight. Both of these rights had been broken in a matter of two days on August 11, 2017 and August 12 when a  group of around 250 white supremacists with lit torches marched down  the halls of the University Of Virginia. There they met their counter protesters who were a group of white and diverse UVA students who locked arms around the statue of Jefferson opposing its removal.

The law was immediately broken when violence had erupted at the scene with no law enforcement in sight. Both sides were showing acts of physical violence along with the spraying of chemical irritants. Lit torches were even being thrown at each group. The constitution grants the right to a peaceful protest... not a violent one.

The next day on August 12th, twice as many people started gathering at the Emancipation Park from both sides. People brought in their shields, wood clubs, and many even carried their pistols and guns. Each side were announcing yelling racial slurs to each other along with wide banners for their slogans which is not a form of free speech due to it causing an upheaval. Local stores and restaurants had shut down knowing that chaos was going to take place.

Another group surprisingly came to the scene. The Militia had shown up with their long rifles walking up the sidewalk to help keep peace between both sides which had failed when white nationalists started approaching the park where they were stopped by counter protestors blocking them. Within a few seconds, both groups charged at each other with every weapon in hand. Once again, no police were in sight.

Just hours after the riot, a unlawful assembly was announced. Both sides started dispersing and leaving the scene. Jason Keller who is known as the organizer of the rally, sued the city later saying that his First Amendment rights were violated which in turn surprisingly the judge ruled in his favor although the protest had broken out and violence leading to deaths on both sides had crashed through the city breaking the First Amendment.

Later on the day, when it couldn't get worse a car striked through a group of pedestrians. Killing one. The day had ended with people passing by and placing flowers on the ground for their loved ones and in remembrance of this day forever.

Heim, Joe. “How a Rally of White Nationalists and Supremacists at the University of Virginia Turned into a ‘Tragic, Tragic Weekend.".” The Washington Post, WP Company, 14 Aug. 2017, www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/local/charlottesville-timeline/?utm_term=.1ac24c48bf2e.

“Charlottesville: 'Unite the Right' Rally, State of Emergency.” Time, Time, time.com/charlottesville-white-nationalist-rally-clashes/.