Clashes in Virginia shake America

The riots in Charlottesville, Virginia, are a sign that beneath the peaceful, prosperous life of America, racial conflict still simmers.

Riots broke out in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA on August 12 after white nationalists clashed with anti-racism groups, killing three people and injuring dozens. The incident has shaken the US, especially in the context of the ongoing fear of terrorism.

Protesters at the Unite the Right rally carry signs against white supremacy. (Photo: Reuters)

The city council immediately decided to empower the police chief to declare a curfew. Meanwhile, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also opened a civil investigation to clarify the incident.

In a non-binding vote on August 13, the Charlottesville City Council unanimously gave Police Chief Al Thomas the authority to regulate and restrict the movement of people and vehicles on roads, prohibiting any form of crowd gathering in public places.

Charlottesville Mayor Mike Signer said in a statement that the City Council made the decision after a thorough review of the situation, and that it demonstrates confidence in the police chief and the ability of law enforcement in the city.

Earlier, on August 12, thousands of people participating in a “Unite the Right” march in Emancipation Park organized by white nationalists and other right-wing groups clashed with protesters.

Police used tear gas to disperse protesters and arrested several people after declaring the gathering illegal.

The incident became more serious after a gray car drove at high speed straight into the crowd of marchers.

Police later found the car involved in the accident and arrested the driver on charges of attempted murder.

Speaking at a press conference, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe urged people to stop the violence and go home. The city government also declared a state of emergency as police tried to disperse a crowd of hundreds gathered outside the city's college.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the deadly violence in Charlottesville violated American law and justice.

He discussed with FBI Christopher Wray and FBI agents at the scene as well as Virginia law enforcement officials, then came to the decision to open an investigation.

Cùng ngày, Tổng thống Mỹ Donald Trump đã chỉ trích vụ việc mà theo ông là "biểu hiện thái quá của thù hận, mù quáng và bạo lực từ nhiều phía," khẳng định đang theo dõi sát tình hình ở Charlottesville. Ông đồng thời kêu gọi người dân Mỹ đoàn kết, bất kể màu da, tín ngưỡng, tôn giáo hay chính đảng.

Cuộc bạo loạn ở thành phố Charlottesville, Mỹ là dấu hiệu cho thấy, bên dưới cuộc sống thanh bình, thịnh vượng của đất nước này vẫn âm ỉ cuộc xung đột gay gắt giữa các sắc tộc chỉ cần có cơ hội là bùng lên thành biến cố lớn./.