Police escorted Confederate supporters away from a crowd in front of a statue in Richmond, according to a report.
NBC12 reported counterprotesters outnumbered the statue supporters near a Gen. Robert E. Lee statue. The news station reported law enforcment made their presence known early and have kept the situation calm.
The group, New Confederate States of America. said they want to protect the heritage of the Confederate states, and the statues are not symbols of hate.
Counterprotesters responded with chants of "Heritage of Hate" and "Time for a change," according to NBC12 reporters at the scene. Some people showed up at the rally with white roses, which they said represented nonviolence resistance.
Organizers of the rally said they want to protect the statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee that stands in the city. New Confederate States of America is not based in Virginia and said they were asked by Virginians to be at the rally.
Police said weapons, like bats, flag poles, and shields, are prohibited. Streets around the statue area are closed.
Police agencies across the state are working together to make sure things don't get out of hand.
