NBC reporter Cal Perry went to Charlottesville, Virginia, to document protests ahead of Sunday night’s planned “Unite the Right” rally — and in spite of the fact that white supremacists had not yet arrived on the scene, approximately 200 Antifa-led protesters soon turned on the police and reporters.
Perry’s coverage began early in the day, as he noted the increased security measures and police presence.
#Charlottesville is not having any of it this weekend. pic.twitter.com/690WhaxBP0
— Cal Perry (@CalNBC) August 11, 2018
I’m in Charlottesville today writing about this extraordinary police presence. Just watched one guy get arrested by 35 cops. Unclear what charges are. pic.twitter.com/SpnNrMbbk8
— Terrence McCoy (@terrence_mccoy) August 11, 2018
At first, the scene was calm. Visitors to the protest area appeared to be focused on remembering the tragic events that occurred last year.
#Charlottesville #America #2018 pic.twitter.com/onBFkHK7nJ
— Cal Perry (@CalNBC) August 11, 2018
As darkness fell, however, protesters got louder and more aggressive, demanding that reporters stop filming.
Protest now in #Charlottesville pic.twitter.com/FQd7ntedEb
— Cal Perry (@CalNBC) August 12, 2018
Protesters very aggressive with media. #Charlottesville pic.twitter.com/CSYNyvBbeG
— Cal Perry (@CalNBC) August 12, 2018
Protesters then began verbally attacking police officers. “Why are you in riot gear? We don’t see no riot here!” they shouted.
Getting ugly in #Charlottesville pic.twitter.com/WWZnexuzzm
— Cal Perry (@CalNBC) August 12, 2018
Ugly. #Charlottesville pic.twitter.com/VoeCTu59y1
— Cal Perry (@CalNBC) August 12, 2018
And then they attacked reporters — including Perry — physically.
Yeah. We’re getting a lot of this. Protesters trying to grab our camera. #Charlotsville https://t.co/xIWLXPdkLt
— Cal Perry (@CalNBC) August 12, 2018
“Fu** you, snitch ass news bitch. Fu** you”. #Charlotsville pic.twitter.com/JPl3480FUG
— Cal Perry (@CalNBC) August 12, 2018
Commentary’s Noah Rothman responded with just four words: “Tomorrow will be bad.”
Tomorrow will be bad. https://t.co/4Wrk1iY0gi
— Noah Rothman (@NoahCRothman) August 12, 2018
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