CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WINA) – Five people arrested during the August 12th rally and at Jason Kessler’s news conference the following day appeared in Charlottesville General District Court on Friday.
Troy Dunigan of Chattanooga, Tennessee pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct for throwing an empty water bottle at a man he referred to as a Nazi.
“I’m proud of it, honestly,” he said outside the courthouse, “because Nazis are evil and they shouldn’t be allowed to march through the streets preaching hate. It’s unacceptable and I don’t see anything wrong with stopping them in any way possible.”
Dunigan was given 30 days suspended, 2 years probation, and fined $200.
Most now face trial, including Brandon Collins, who was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery for allegedly striking Kessler at the news conference. His attorney, Jeff Fogel, says Kessler should be the one facing trial.
“We know that Jason Kessler is responsible for having brought Nazis, Ku Klux Klanners, and he knew how dangerous they were. He knew how many people were bringing guns and weapons to our town, and nothing is happening to him. And yet the person who allegedly pushes him is brought to court,” Fogel said.
White nationalist icon Matt Parrot of the Traditionalist Worker Party was tried in absence. The officer who charged him testified that Parrot shouted “we will not be replaced” and refused to leave when told the event was unlawful assembly. He was fined $250.
Robert Kenneth Litzenberger, who allegedly spat at Kessler during his attempt at a news conference, is charged with misdemeanor assault and battery and will be in court for a bench trial November 17.
James O’Brien, who is charged with carrying a concealed handgun, is still trying to obtain an attorney. His bench trial will take place on November 20.
