1 dead, 19 hurt in attack on anti-racist protesters caught on camera

CHARLOTTESVILLE - After the rally today, counter-protesters marched and surrounded cars in an intersection, mingling in the street.

A sports car came barreling down the hill and hit two cars in front, pushing those vehicles into pedestrians.

The first car then backed up and took off, even as counter-protesters were going after it.

A News Leader photographer was taking photos from an upper floor of a parking car when the attack happened.

More: Photo shows fatal attack on pedestrians with car

"We heard a protest march coming down the street, so went to the edge of the parking deck," said journalist Jeremiah Knupp. Traffic was stopped and anti-racist marchers were crossing the street. "The car... was going 30 miles an hour, maybe. ... Probably at least five people with serious injuries were taken away by ambulance."

Afterward, several people were lying on the pavement. Now, the mayor of Charlottesville is confirming that one person has died.

And the City of Charlottesville is saying 19 people were hurt and one killed in the Dodge attack.

For the day, 35 total people were treated by EMS, said Miriam Dickler, in a statement for the city.



"We are not releasing information about the victim at this time, as next of kin is being notified," she said.



The driver of one vehicle was taken into custody by Charlottesville Police.

Five or more people were hit, several broken bones — according to EMT conversation at the scene and visual confirmation.

A disturbing video of the attack online shows a sports car with no attempt to slow down as it drives straight into pedestrians.

This was the second car strike in an hour in the downtown area. A speeding car hit someone in the leg after 1 p.m. and took off, with no police around, even as bystanders were trying to stop the vehicle.

The incident was also witnessed by News Leader journalists.

People on foot swarmed the car and smacked the windows, yelling, "You hit that person!"

Hundreds of people remained down in the area by Water Street at 2 p.m. The scene was chaotic.

Here was the police statement after the car attack:

"Charlottesville Police and Virginia State Police are on the scene of a three vehicle accident at Water and 4th Streets in Downtown Charlottesville. Multiple injuries are reported. People should clear the area to allow emergency medical personnel to respond. We will release more information as we are able."

— Jeremiah Knupp contributed to this report.