‘Unite the Right 2’ Plans Rally Outside the White House

On Sunday, demonstrators are set to hold a “white civil rights” rally on the anniversary of last year’s “Unite the Right” protest, previously held in Charlottesville. A march is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m ET, starting at Washington’s Foggy Bottom subway station continuing on to Lafayette Square; the remainder of the demonstration is scheduled from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, taking place directly across the street from the White House.

Everyone in DC if you haven’t heard already!!! pic.twitter.com/sfi7zcRKvA

— Caché McClay (@CacheMcclay) August 10, 2018

‘Unite the White 2’, as it’s being referred to on social media, is an event planned by Jason Kessler, the organizer of last year’s deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville. Last year’s violent gathering was responsible for the killing of 32-year-old, anti-racist protester, Heather Heyer, and also took the lives of two Virginia State troopers whose helicopter crashed as they returned from monitoring the day’s events.

Members of 40 different anti-racism groups are also expected to protest at numerous locations; many planning to cover Lafayette Square before Kessler, and his followers arrive.

Here’s Jason Kessler marching to his #UniteTheRight2 rally. Note: there are only a dozen or two white supremacists with him. pic.twitter.com/PGVgbLlept

— Christal Hayes (@Journo_Christal) August 12, 2018

Shut It Down D.C. Coalition is producing a “Still Here, Still Strong” rally, and Black Lives Matter D.C. has scheduled a “Rise Up, Fight Back” protest to counter the ‘White Civil Rights’ group. Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” can be heard through speakers set up on the stage on the northeast side of the park.

Kessler and several other opposition groups have received permits from the National Park Service to demonstrate at the seven-acre enclave. This year, as many as 400 people are expected to show at the rally. Of those attending, several will include white nationalists, neo-Nazis, and Ku Klux Klan supporters.

ATTENTION MINORITIES IN DC:
this weekend (the 11th and 12th) is NOT the weekend to be a tourist for the day or to be anywhere near Lafayette Square or Downtown DC. this KKK/Alt-Right/White Supremest HATE rally is actually happening in full effect. please be safe! #DC

— C (@HeAFanOfChan) August 9, 2018

In Washington, Police Chief Peter Newsham said his officers will keep the “Unite the Right 2” protesters and the counter-protesters separate. Newsham said no guns will be allowed near the rally sites, even if someone has a legal permit. Muriel E. Bowser, the Washington mayor, also activated the city’s emergency operations center on Thursday.