Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and the city of Charlottesville have declared states of emergency ahead of the anniversary of the deadly white nationalist rally in the city that left one woman dead and several others injured.
The Virginia state of emergency ordered by Northam, will allow state agencies to quickly mobilize resources to aid local authorities, the governor’s office said. The order, which also allows Virginia National Guard to assist in security efforts, was announced Wednesday afternoon as Charlottesville officials held a news conference on the city’s efforts to prepare for the anniversary of the Aug. 12 rally.
The state of emergency comes as a number of groups and counter-protesters have rallies planned this weekend to mark the anniversary in Virginia and downtown D.C.