The Charlottesville City Council was in for a rude awakening Monday night after members attempted to carry out a "business-as-usual" agenda that mentioned nothing about the August 12th "Unite the Right" rally that descended on the city causing mayhem, violence, and the death of Heather Heyer. According to CBS19 News, the attempted slight resulted in escalated tensions as hundreds of concerned residents, upset about the handling of the rally, demanded acknowledgment and answers for the tragic event.
Several community members expressed frustration that leaders granted a permit for the rally, while others criticized police response to the event. As the room erupted with shouts and anger, two people stood on the councilors table with a sign that read, "Blood on your hands." A few citizens were escorted out of the meeting. Amidst the rising tensions, councilors left chambers for a while before agreeing to drop the agenda and focus on the crowd's concerns. The council returned to chambers as the crowd agreed to form a line and share their grievances.
We're not sure what the Charlottesville City Council was thinking in their attempt to skirt the issue, but they learned last night.