August
14, 2017
Yesterday afternoon, police were notified of a candlelight vigil which began at 8:30 p.m. in Abner Clay Park located in the 200 block of West Clay Street. The crowd began to grow and shortly after 10 p.m., approximately 300 demonstrators exited the park toward West Broad Street where they marched westbound. They continued walking to Monument Avenue toward the Robert E. Lee and J.E.B. Stuart Monuments.
After circling back to West Broad Street, moving eastbound
toward downtown, the demonstration concluded at 1 a.m. in Abner Clay where the
group originated.
Multiple injuries were reported. Police are still
investigating these incidents.
There was only one arrest during the demonstration. The
individual was charged with disorderly conduct and released at the scene.
Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
“Serving in a state capital, the Richmond Police Department
has years of experience dealing with all manner of rallies, parades,
demonstrations and protests. Our goal is to allow citizens to express their
First Amendment right to speak their minds while protecting and maintaining the
safety of the general public,” said Chief Alfred Durham.
“Our officers are well-trained in crowd management and we
have great support from our law enforcement agency partners. We have already
begun planning for the event on Sept. 16, should it occur. We will be
prepared.”
