Fighting has broken out at a ‘Unite the Right’ rally in Charlottesville, Virginia between right-wing protesters demonstrating against the removal of a Confederate-era statue from Emancipation Park, and counter demonstrators.

The Unite the Right rally aims to “unify the right-wing against a totalitarian Communist crackdown” and “affirm the right of Southerners and white people to organize for their interests just like any other group is able to do.”

We ALL must be united & condemn all that hate stands for. There is no place for this kind of violence in America. Lets come together as one! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2017

Our country encourages freedom of speech, but let's communicate w/o hate in our hearts. No good comes from violence. #Charlottesville — Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) August 12, 2017

Police have declared a state of emergency in downtown Charlottesville, amid fears of escalating violence.

Clashes have started. Keep in mind, the rally doesn't start officially until noon. #charlottesville#rallypic.twitter.com/DswIVyE6RB — Craig Stanley (@_CraigStanley) August 12, 2017

Fights breaking out. Pepper spray in the air #Charlottesvillepic.twitter.com/xWizCxArC0 — Christopher Mathias (@letsgomathias) August 12, 2017

Here is a copy of today's emergency declaration regarding the rally at Emancipation Park #cvilleaug12pic.twitter.com/TOdXkhjuXK — Charlottesville City (@CvilleCityHall) August 12, 2017

Governor McAuliffe has declared a state of emergency to aid state response to violence at Alt-Right rally in Charlottesville — Terry McAuliffe (@GovernorVA) August 12, 2017

Saturday’s demonstration was organized by Jason Kessler, a former Daily Caller writer and activist, to protest against the removal of the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee from Emancipation Park.

The park used to be named Lee Park, after the Confederate general, but Charlottesville City Council voted to change its name in June.

Authorities are on high alert after a protest at the University of Virginia on Friday night saw counter-protesters surrounded by so-called ‘alt-right’ demonstrators carrying torches.

Clash between protesters and counter protesters. Police says "We'll not intervene until given command to do so." #Charlottesvillepic.twitter.com/UkRDlNn2mv — ACLU of Virginia (@ACLUVA) August 12, 2017

The national socialist movement and others heading east on Market street. pic.twitter.com/hk6eD2Tfr3 — Allison Wrabel (@craftypanda) August 12, 2017

Riot police assembled just off of E. Jefferson St. pic.twitter.com/cxEgKIpFTd — C-VILLE Weekly (@cvillenews_desk) August 12, 2017

Counterprotesters are throwing water balloons filled with pink paint at white nationalists - as seen on this police car pic.twitter.com/4GZ54Ho1yZ — Ned Oliver (@nedoliver) August 12, 2017

National guard prepares as local emergency as been declared in #Charlottesville for #UniteTheRightpic.twitter.com/KipCK5IHpQ — NBC29 (@NBC29) August 12, 2017

Efforts to move the protest to McIntire Park were quashed when a judge ruled Friday that it could go ahead at Emancipation Park.

Protest organizer Kessler is described as a white nationalist by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Charlottesville police nowhere to be found. Speakers not allowed to enter into speaking area #UniteTheRighthttps://t.co/bsMC0UsUUT — Jason Kessler (@TheMadDimension) August 12, 2017

White nationalist and ‘alt-right’ speakers expected at the Unite the Right event include Richard Spencer, Mike Enoch and Augustus Invictus. According to Kessler, “speakers [are] not allowed to enter into speaking area.”

Meanwhile, Virginia House Democrats have released a statement condemning the rally.

“As the former mayor of this beautiful, inclusive and progressive community, I am saddened that our city may draw thousands who would come here to sow division and hate,” House Democratic Leader David Toscano said.

“The alt-right agenda has been brought to Charlottesville by people who are neither from our community nor who represent its values. We will strive to ensure the day does not erupt into violence, and we will redouble our efforts to remain civically engaged so that darkness does not obscure our light.”