No trial move for top organizer of white nationalist rally

Attorney Michael Hallahan argued media coverage “demonized” Kessler and would make finding an impartial jury impossible. (Pixabay photo)

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.— A judge has declined to move a perjury case against the chief organizer of a deadly white nationalist rally.

The Daily Progress reports the Albemarle County judge declined Tuesday to move the scheduled March 20 trial of Jason Kessler, but took a defence motion under advisement, allowing the court the option to move the case later if a jury cannot be seated.

Attorney Michael Hallahan argued media coverage “demonized” Kessler and would make finding an impartial jury impossible.

The perjury charge stems from a sworn statement Kessler made alleging he was assaulted by a Charlottesville man. Kessler later pleaded guilty to assaulting the man he accused.

White nationalists descended Aug. 12 on Charlottesville, their rally descending into chaos. A woman died when a car plowed into a crowd of counter-protesters.