In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage, a 21-year-old man has been arrested for driving his SUV into a group of protesters at the “No Kings” anti-Trump rally.
See the video below this post.
Joseph R. Checklick Jr. is being held without bond as police investigate what appears to be a deliberate attack on demonstrators who were protesting against President Trump.
According to Culpeper, Virginia police, Checklick intentionally accelerated his vehicle into a dispersing crowd of protesters at a Democrat-organized event on James Madison Highway.
The incident occurred as participants were crossing a parking lot following their demonstration in front of a local Walmart.
The “No Kings” protests, organized nationwide by liberal groups, targeted what organizers claim is President Trump’s administration’s “corruption” and “authoritarian” actions.
This particular rally was organized by the Culpeper Democrats, who have been quick to thank law enforcement for their response.
Police reports indicated Checklick drove “recklessly through the crowd of pedestrians” and struck at least one person with his vehicle.
Thankfully, despite the dangerous nature of the incident, no injuries have been reported, sparing the event from becoming a tragedy similar to past vehicle attacks on protesters.
Authorities are conducting an active investigation and have called for witnesses to provide any information.
Checklick faces reckless driving charges, though additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues. He remains in custody at the Culpeper County Jail.
The mainstream media has been quick to draw parallels between this incident and the tragic 2017 Charlottesville attack, where James Alex Fields Jr. drove into a crowd of leftist protesters, killing Heather Heyer.
Fields was subsequently convicted of first-degree murder and other charges related to that attack.
These “No Kings” rallies appear to be part of a coordinated effort by Democrats to paint President Trump as authoritarian, despite Trump’s own statements to the contrary.
When questioned about these accusations previously, Trump responded, “I don’t feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get stuff approved.”
Although violence at political demonstrations is deplorable regardless of which side perpetrates it, many conservative commentators have noted the swift police response and immediate detention of the suspect in this case.
This contrasts with what some view as lenient treatment of left-wing protesters who have disrupted traffic, destroyed property, and endangered public safety across the country in recent years.
