Watch: Man who organized Charlottesville white supremacist rally chased from press conference

Published August 13, 2017 9:38pm ET



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.