Virginia Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency for the commonwealth and the city of Charlottesville ahead of the "Unite the Right" white nationalist rally.

Why it matters: The announcement comes just days before the anniversary weekend of the 2017 rally, where a counter-protestor against the "Unite the Right" group was killed. That same group, led by Jason Kessler, is holding another protest in Washington, D.C. this weekend. The declaration will supply the funding of resources to address potential impacts of multiple events planned in commemoration of last year's rally, according to the Governor's announcement.