RICHMOND, Va. (WVEC) - About 300 people gathered at the Robert E. Lee statue in Richmond to protest for, or against, the removal of Confederate statues Saturday.
According to police only seven person were detained, and no injuries were reported.
Four people are arrested for wearing masks, one was charged with disorderly conduct, and two were arrested on firearm charges.
Richmond police tweeted a full list of those who were arrested, and their charges.
Total of seven individuals arrested during today's assemblies. No injuries, no accidents. Officers will remain vigilant tonight. #rva0916 pic.twitter.com/2EfArO2Dou
— Richmond Police (@RichmondPolice) September 16, 2017
Richmond police warned anyone wearing a mask would be arrested.
If someone has a mask on, we're not asking them to take it off - we're making an arrest. #RVA0916 #RVA pic.twitter.com/nUMMC1JLVz
— Richmond Police (@RichmondPolice) September 14, 2017
ABC-affiliate WRIC said after about an hour of interactions between the two groups, police escorted the dozen Confederate monument supporters out of the area.
Peaceful protest update: Some folks saying RPD 'forced' the protest group to leave but it was a mutually agreed-upon decision #rva0916
— Richmond Police (@RichmondPolice) September 16, 2017
Richmond police were well prepared for the protest, and had plans in place to keep the protestors peaceful. They encouraged residents to secure their homes, remove loose objects, and just obey the law.
Thank you to all the law enforcement and emergency personnel who did a great job keeping Richmond safe today. To all the haters- go home!!
— Terry McAuliffe (@TerryMcAuliffe) September 16, 2017
Governor Terry McAuliffe released a statement before the protest:
“Virginia public safety officials have been in constant contact with City of Richmond officials as we prepare for the planned protest in the city tomorrow. Several Virginia agencies, including the Virginia State Police and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management will be providing resources to the City of Richmond and coordinating with their counterparts in city government throughout the day as we all monitor this event. As city officials have said, everyone has a right to express their views in public, but anyone who violates the law or endangers the safety of others will be arrested and charged.
I urge Virginians who have no reason to be in the vicinity of these protests to steer clear of the parts of Monument Avenue where it will be held so that law enforcement can perform the task of keeping people safe. Many people, including myself, strongly oppose the underlying ideology of tomorrow’s demonstration and the best way to express that opposition is to avoid giving these hateful groups more attention than they deserve.”
