The independent media site Unicorn Riot has been doing great work showing just how dangerous the “Unite the Right” attendees are. Through leaks of chats among the white supremacists in preparation of the event in Charlottesville, we see yet more evidence that these men were out for blood.
Screenshots of preparation chats on Discord (from where they’re now banned) shows users specifically asking about the legality of running over counter-protesters with cars.
In the first screenshot, user AtlCelt(IL) posts a photo of two flaming buses running through crowds of people. He follows it with “This will be us."
In the second screenshot, user Tyrone says, "I know NC law is on the books that driving over protestors blocking roadways isn't an offense,” which is a reference to the North Carolina bill passed by its House of Representatives earlier this year. He follows up a meme featuring a photo of large farming equipment with the caption “Introducing John Deere's new multi-lane protester digestor” in all caps. His accompanying commentary? “Would be nice.”
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Despite what conservatives may say, the presence of counter-protestors didn’t force neo-Nazi James Alex Fields, Jr. to murder Heather Heyer. They were talking about running people over before they even stepped foot in Charlottesville. The casual way they discuss this violence shows that they were looking to harm people by any means necessary.
