The organizer behind the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va., had to be rushed to safety Sunday after angry protesters disrupted a press conference he set up.
Unite the Right organizer Jason Kessler was assisted by police after counter-protesters tackled and tried to punch him outside Charlottesville City Hall.
Earlier, Kessler had been drowned out with loud “boos,” cries of “shame,” and chants of “say her name” — referring to 32-year-old Heather Heyer, who died Saturday when a car plowed into a group protesting the rally — as he tried to communicate with reporters at the media opportunity.
Social media users documented the chaos that ensued, following Kessler as he was chased into a flower bed and then escorted down a street by police officers.
“I disavow any political violence and what happened yesterday was tragic,” Kessler said as he was led away.
Jason Kessler rushed away from press conference and eventually brought to police station when his car wasn’t reachable pic.twitter.com/JDG1OQ9Hxk
— Brook Silva-Braga (@Brook) August 13, 2017
After being tackled by counter protesters Jason Kessler slips out of press conference with help from police in #charlottesville @indystar pic.twitter.com/7nEfvGFtVp
— Mykal McEldowney (@mykalmphoto) August 13, 2017
Reuters contract photog Justin Ide picture of the day as #UniteTheRight organizer Jason Kessler is tackled into bush pic.twitter.com/YVo2PIFZKV
— Jim Bourg (@jimbourg) August 13, 2017
I asked Jason Kessler if he bears any responsibility for the death in #Charlotteville yesterday pic.twitter.com/QIA9jiuczS
— Brook Silva-Braga (@Brook) August 13, 2017
