It has been two days since much of America and the rest of the world was shocked by the violent events in Charlottesville, Virginia. On Saturday morning, white nationalists and counter protesters clashed violently before a "Unite the Right" rally in Virginia. Fists were flying and pepper spray was being sprayed liberally when a gray Dodge Challenger sped down the road, barreling into a group of counter protesters. One lady was killed and at least 19 others were injured in the incident.
Fists were flying and pepper spray was being sprayed liberally when a gray Dodge Challenger sped down the road, barreling into a group of counter protesters.
One lady was killed and at least 19 others were injured in the incident.
James Alex Fields, a 20-year-old, has since been accused of being responsible for the incident. Media have interviewed both his mother and a former school teacher of his and have found out a little bit more about this suspected criminal and his extremist views.
James Fields: The extremist
James Fields is still in custody. He made his first court appearance on Monday morning by a video link. According to CNN, his next court date is the 25th of August. When interviewed, his mother, Samantha Bloom, appeared to have no idea about her son's extremist nature. According to Fox 31, she told media that her son was friends with African-Americans and that she thought the rally on Saturday had simply been something about Donald Trump.
Bloom claimed that she didn't discuss politics with her son.
However, Fields' former social studies teacher, Derek Weimer, had a very different opinion of the young man. According to CNN, Weimer and Fields had engaged in discussions on many occasions. Weimer told media that Fields has rather radical and extreme views. The teacher added that it sometimes felt as though Fields had a lot of pent-up anger in him.
Fields' former teacher speaks out
The most disturbing part is that Weimer added that Fields had quite a fondness for Adolf Hitler. Fields is really passionate about white supremacy and it seems that he really admired Hitler. Weimer said that no matter how he tried to convince Fields of how evil Hitler really was, the young man refused to relinquish his own views and opinions.
Now, according to Fox 31, Fields is being charged with second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and failure to stop in an accident that resulted in death. Fields will appear in court next Friday. It is unknown whether or not he has an attorney to represent him. The crash is still being investigated, according to CNN.
The trial on Friday is sure to be an interesting and emotional one. It is important that such events are condemned. There is no place in our "free" society for such hatred and closed minds.