The city of Charlottesville, Va., announced that it would shut down roads, parks and facilities on the anniversary of last year’s deadly white supremacist rally, The Daily Progress reported.
Charlottesville communications director Brian Wheeler said in a statement Thursday that the closures will take place after it was “determined that it is essential for the safety of persons and property.”
He said the decision was made with input from the Virginia State Police and Charlottesville police and fire departments.
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All city parks and recreation facilities will be closed Aug. 11-12, and downtown buildings including City Hall will be closed as of 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug 10, according to The Daily Progress.
Last year’s protests resulted in the death of 32-year-old Heather Heyer, who was killed after a man drove his car into a crowd of counterprotesters. James Fields was later charged with federal hate crimes tied to Heyer’s death.
Jason Kessler, one of the main organizers behind the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally, previously planned to hold an anniversary rally in Charlottesville. He later withdrew his permit application after the city denied his request.
He is now planning on holding an anniversary event in Washington, D.C.