On Wednesday morning a memorial service was held for Heather Heyer, the peaceful protester who marched in Charlottesville against racism only to be struck down in the prime of her life by a vehicle driven by an alleged white supremacist named James Alex Fields, Jr.
Millions of tears were shed in millions of homes over the senseless violence that unfolded at Emancipation Park on Saturday, but many took comfort in the knowledge that Heather Heyer was destined to become an enduring symbol of courage and bravery in the fight for equality.
Unfortunately, Wednesday's memorial service brought out more than just sadness, hope, grief and pride; it also brought out anger-- in the form of Antifa activists armed with purple shields and baseball bats.
Antifa members steal spotlight from Heather Heyer
Taylor Lorenz, a reporter for The Hill, was in Charlottesville covering the service and Tweeted photos of the activists who had assembled outside the theatre where the event was being held. According to Lorenz, the presence of the armed anti-fascist activists that stole the spotlight from Heyer, as the Antifa members were "swarmed" by reporters and journalists.
"Honestly dumb to roll up w/ bats to a memorial service & expect that that's not what the media will focus on," Lorenz tweeted.
The anti-fascist activists, Tweeted Lorenz, claimed that they were armed because they believed that the police would not be able to protect those in attendance.
Anti-fascist activists have just shown up outside the theater with baseball bats and purple shields #Charlottesville pic.twitter.com/8vBlErwkng
— Taylor Lorenz (@TaylorLorenz) August 16, 2017
The Charlottesville Police Department has faced a firestorm of criticism in the wake of Saturday's rally from the far left as well as the alt-right, who claim that the police decided to run for cover when things got out of hand instead of protecting the public.
The left and the right both agree on one thing
Police Chief Al S. Thomas, Jr., however, stood by the actions of his department on Monday. The Washington Post reported that Thomas refuted the accusations that law enforcement were discouraged from making arrests. "That is simply not true," said the police chief.
Meanwhile, many have voiced their frustration toward the Charlottesville Police Department by leaving negative reviews online.
As of Wednesday, the department's rating on Google had plummeted to just 1.8 stars. In what is perhaps a bizarre show of solidarity, alt-right demonstrators and anti-fascist counter-protesters alike posted one-star reviews for the Charlottesville Police Department, reaching a consensus that law enforcement had failed to protect and serve.
