The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Staff Reports
Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 11:22 AM
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Opens Civil Rights Investigation Into Rampage In Charlottesville, VA That Killed 1 Saturday
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a statement Saturday night to announce the probe.
“The Richmond FBI Field Office, the Civil Rights Division, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia have opened a civil rights investigation into the circumstances of the deadly vehicular incident that occurred earlier Saturday morning,” Sessions said in the statement. “The FBI will collect all available facts and evidence, and as this is an ongoing investigation we are not able to comment further at this time.”
FILE - In this March 6, 2017, file photo, Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaks at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office in Washington. The Justice Department says Sessions recused himself from the Russia investigation only because he was involved in President Donald Trumps campaign. In a statement on June 8, spokesman Ian Prior says it was for that reason, and that reason alone that Sessions decided to step aside from the probe. The statement doesnt mention Sessions undisclosed contacts with Russias ambassador. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)Expand / Collapse
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has announced a federal civil rights investigation into Saturday's fatal crash in Charlottesville, Va. Sessions is seen speaking in Washington, March 6, 2017. (Associated Press)
James Alex Fields Jr., 20, of Ohio, has been arrested in connection with the fatal crash, authorities said. The rally was organized by right-wing blogger Jason Kessler, who wanted to protest Charlottesville’s decision to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from Emancipation Park. The event quickly turned chaotic, as white nationalists clashed with counter-protesters and police.
Sessions condemned the violence.
“When such actions arise from racial bigotry and hatred, they betray our core values and cannot be tolerated,” the attorney general said.
“I have talked with FBI Director Chris Wray, FBI agents on the scene, and law enforcement officials for the state of Virginia. The FBI has been supporting state and local authorities throughout the day,” Sessions said. “U.S. Attorney Rick Mountcastle has commenced a federal investigation and will have the full support of the Department of Justice. Justice will prevail.”
Earlier Saturday, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, had called upon the Justice Department to launch a probe.
"Having watched the horrifying video of the car deliberately crashing into a crowd of protesters, I urge the Department of Justice to immediately investigate and prosecute this grotesque act of domestic terrorism," Cruz said in a statement.
