The head of the Charlottesville police in the American State of Virginia is defending the action of his forces after criticism that they acted too slowly to separate white supremacists and counter-protesters over the weekend,.
Police Chief Al Thomas admitted to reporters that his officers were not in protective equipment when the protests started because they hoped the demonstrations would be peaceful, and had to put on riot gear when violence erupted.
He blamed protesters for not keeping to agreements to stay apart, and acknowledged his forces struggled at times.
IN: "We did clear the park...
OUT: ....it was a challenge"
DUR: 33"
Meanwhile, James Fields, the man accused of killing a woman by driving into protestors on Saturday has appeared in court.
Fields is charged with the murder of 32-year-old Heather Heyer, and of injuring 19 other people protesting against the white supremacist rally.