In Culpeper, Virginia, a 21-year-old man was taken into custody on June 14 for reportedly crashing an SUV into a group of “No Kings” demonstrators. At least one person was hit by the car, which police claim was purposefully driven into a group of people leaving the demonstration. There have been no confirmed serious injuries.
The culprit was identified by the authorities as Culpeper resident Joseph R. Checklick Jr. He is being jailed without bond after being charged with reckless driving. Police are still looking into the event and determining whether more charges are necessary.
The altercation took place amid a military parade and nationwide “No Kings” protests, a campaign against perceived dictatorship, which coincided with President Trump’s birthday. There were occasional incidents reported, including this one in Virginia, but the majority of demonstrations nationwide were calm.