Six years after white supremacists descended on the University of Virginia with tiki torches, there are reportedly some felony indictments for marching with blazing torches amid the Charlottesville rally. The indictments remain under seal, but sources have reported that the rioters were charged with a class 6 felony that carries up to five years in prison. The march also included anti-Semitic chants.
At least three people have been indicted on state charges that they intimidated others during an explosive demonstration at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville in 2017. The indictments were issued as part of a criminal investigation which is ongoing and evolving; it remains unclear how many people will eventually face charges.
William Zachary Smith, of Nocona, Texas; Tyler Bradley Dykes, of Bluffton, S.C.; and Dallas Medina, of Ravenna, Ohio, have been charged with burning an object with the intent to intimidate. This particular felony carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
The notorious event saw hundreds gathering around university grounds carrying tiki torches while shouting racist slogans and displaying Nazi symbols. It led to clashes between protesters and counter-protesters which ultimately turned deadly when one participant drove his car into a crowd killing Heather Heyer along injuring several others.
A spokesperson for the prosecution stated: "These indictments send a strong message that hate crimes and acts aimed at intimidating individuals based on their race or religion will not be tolerated."
In response to these recent developments Charlotte Mayor Nikuyah Walker emphasized her commitment towards achieving justice: “We must continue our efforts to hold those responsible accountable.”
As this investigation continues to unfold it serves as reminder about importance addressing racial tensions within society ensuring safety all citizens regardless background beliefs