The man accused of driving his car into a crowd of counterprotesters at last year's white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va., plans to argue he was acting in self-defense.

Jury selection began Monday in the trial of James Alex Fields Jr., who is charged with first-degree murder and several hate crimes after he allegedly drove into the crowd, killing Heather Heyer and injuring others.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that an attorney for Fields told prospective jurors that they will hear evidence that Fields "thought he was acting in self-defense."

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The news outlet reported that the attorney, John Hill, further asked potential jurors if they thought it was inappropriate to use violence in self-defense.

Fields, 21, is on trial at the Charlottesville Circuit Courthouse. Jury selection may take up the first half of this week, with opening arguments and testimony slated to begin by the end of the week.

Fields has remained in jail while he awaits trial.

The August 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville received national attention as protesters descended on the city in response to the planned removal of statues honoring Confederate soldiers.

White nationalists later clashed with counterprotesters. Fields is accused of driving his car into a crowd of counterprotesters that had gathered downtown. His car had Ohio license plates, though, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported he lived in Kentucky with his mother.