At least one person has died in clashes between white nationalist demonstrators and counter-protestors, the mayor of Charlottesville, Virginia said Saturday.

“I am heartbroken that a life has been lost here,” wrote mayor Mike Signer on Twitter. “I urge all people of good will -- go home.”

The announcement came after a car plowed into a group of people as the normally tranquil city erupted in violence and the state’s governor declared a state of emergency.

An Associated Press reporter saw at least one person on the ground receiving medical treatment immediately afterward the incident, which occurred approximately two hours after violent clashes between white nationalists and counter-protesters.

The nationalists were holding the rally to protest plans by the city of Charlottesville to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee.

There were several hundred protesters marching in a long line when the car drove into a group of them. 

Trump condemns ‘hate’ 
President Donald Trump on Saturday condemned violence that erupted between white nationalists and counter-demonstrators in Charlottesville, Virginia.

“We must ALL be united & condemn all that hate stands for,” Trump wrote in a Twitter message. “There is no place for this kind of violence in America.”

Officials had approved the protest march in downtown Charlottesville but cancelled the event and declared a state of emergency after outbreaks of violence.

source: Alarabiya