Mayor Denounces Hate Group Coming to DC

At a recent news conference, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser had some harsh words for the Unite the Right 2018 rally to be held this Sunday just across from the White House, on the first anniversary of the deadly rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. "We have people coming to our city for the sole purpose of spewing hate," said Bowser. "We denounce hate, we denounce anti-Semitism, and we denounce the rhetoric we expect to hear this Sunday."

The white nationalists of Unite the Right, which is widely regarded as a hate group, will begin their protest at Freedom Plaza and then march to Lafayette Square for a rally. Nobody is clear on how many protesters will gather, but the National Park service has issued six permits so far -- one for Unite the Right and five for counter protesters.

The police have banned all guns from the rallies, even for those with permits to legally carry firearms. In addition, the police will be taking steps to separate the white nationalist protesters from the counter-protesters.

Last year, in Charlottesville, one woman was killed and 19 people injured when a driver plowed his car into a crowd of counter-protesters, and two state troopers died when their surveillance helicopter crashed. Unlike at this year’s rally in DC, the white nationalist protesters in Charlottesville came heavily armed, but while some people blame the government and police for not adequately preparing for the clashes that broke out between protesters, not one shot was fired.

Somewhat surprisingly, not one report of property damage was filed in Charlottesville related to the violence, though after the protests settled down, a number of Confederate monuments were vandalized across the country. With any eruptions of violence in the city, the public must keep aware of their own safety and protection. If you experience assault or property damage, be sure to contact a local attorney. “Anyone seeking to make an insurance claim over property damage should get legal advice,” says Marc Anidjar, an attorney with the law firm of Anidjar Levine. “Some insurance companies may undervalue the value of the claim, conduct an inadequate investigation, or unreasonably delay handling your claim – these are examples of insurance bad faith.”

Last year, Airbnb cancelled a number of bookings for people associated with Unite the Right, and they’re warning that they may do so again this year. In a statement released by the company, Airbnb said, "We acted in advance of last year's horrific event in Charlottesville and if we become aware of similar information we won’t hesitate to do so again."

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has declared a state of emergency ahead of the anniversary of Charlottesville, and despite the high tensions on both sides of the potential conflict, government and police officials are determined to prevent a repeat of last year’s violence.