7 arrested as protesters gather after Confederate monument toppled
Seven people were arrested Saturday morning at a rally over a Confederate monument at the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, authorities said. About 100 people attended the demonstration, and there were no serious injuries, said UNC chancellor Carol Folt. There were no serious injuries reported, Folt said.
A group known as "The Oathkeepers" scheduled the rally after the toppling of a Confederate monument known as Silent Sam, CBS Raleigh affiliate WNCN reports. An opposition group, however, said they would show up to the event to "Keep Fascists Out of Chapel Hill."
The university urged students not to attend the rally on Saturday.
"We do not know for sure what groups may attend, but we are mindful that the current atmosphere is highly charged, and protests that begin peacefully do not always remain that way," university officials said in a statement. "For this reason, we urge you not to attend. For those who do attend, please know that we will do all we can to protect and keep everyone safe."
Folt said the university will remain open 24/7.
There were a range of charges, including assault, destruction of property and inciting a riot.
