FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2021
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - Today, Black Lives Matter 757 organizer, Aubrey Dwight “JaPharri” Jones, Jr. from Newport News, Virginia held a protest in Charlottesville to highlight two cases involving police departments, not affiliated with Charlottesville.
The protestors initially gathered at 2:30 p.m. and peacefully marched in the streets, and stopped at various rallying points. At about 4:50 p.m., as the protestors entered the intersection of 10th and West Main Street, they took over the intersection, surrounding cars, and confronting innocent members of the Charlottesville community. Officers were enroute to clear the intersection, due to the protestors’ reckless and dangerous actions, including stepping in front of moving vehicles. As vehicles swerved to avoid confrontations, an uninvolved pedestrian was struck by another vehicle as she attempted to cross the street. The pedestrian suffered minor injuries and was treated at the University of Virginia Medical Center.
Charlottesville Police Chief, RaShall Brackney stated, “We have wholeheartedly supported the numerous rallies, marches and demonstrations occurring throughout the City of Charlottesville after the death of George Floyd. However, the behaviors exhibited today do not unify the community or keep the community safe.”
The Charlottesville Police Department is investigating this incident in consultation with the Commonwealth Attorneys’ Office.
Media Contact
Brian Wheeler
Director of Communications
City of Charlottesville
434-970-3129
wheelerb@charlottesville.gov
