White nationalist march sparks concern in Virginia: ‘Designed to intimidate’

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Authorities say a white nationalist group that marched in Virginia Beach on Memorial Day weekend did not require a permit because the gathering met legal requirements and did not pose a public safety threat.

Video obtained by Nexstar’s WAVY showed about 30 people wearing matching clothing and white masks while carrying Confederate flags and flags associated with Patriot Front — widely recognized as a white nationalist organization — near the Naval Aviation Monument on 38th Street.

A video taken Saturday, May 23, showed masked marchers carrying the flags in the Oceanfront district.

Police said officers monitored the group’s activity and determined there was “no public safety threat.” Authorities also said the march did not require a permit because the group did not block roadways, complied with the law, and did not meet the threshold based on gathering size.

But the appearance of Patriot Front prompted concerns from community members and civil rights leaders. Experts who track extremist organizations identify Patriot Front as a white nationalist hate group that split from Vanguard America following the deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Va.

“What was the motive for being there and being down there? Were they trying to make a statement or send us a........

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