James Alex Fields, Jr. : 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Albermale County Jail

James Alex Fields Jr booking photo

James Alex Fields was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder, and the car that rammed into the Charlottesville rally was registered to a man by the same name, The Washington Post reported. The suspect is in custody. At least 19 people were injured from the crash and one person died.

This is a developing story.

1. James Alex Fields, Jr. Was Booked on Suspicion of Second-Degree Murder and Other Charges

James Alex Fields, Jr. was booked on suspicion of second-degree murder, malicious wounding, failure to stop for an accident involving a death, and hit-and-run, Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail Superintendent Martin Kumer told The Washington Post. Fields is 20-years-old.

The car that rammed into the crowd in Charlottesville was registered to a man with the same name, according to the Post. The car was a gray 2010 Dodge Challenger. Early rumors had pointed to a different man after Internet detectives tracked down the license plate. But that man, who won’t be named, said he had sold his gray 2010 Challenger. Those early rumors turned out to be unfounded.

Fields is being held without bail and scheduled to be arraigned Monday in the Charlottesville General District Court.

Fields last lived in Maumee, Ohio, about 15 miles southwest of Toledo, the Post reported.

According to witnesses, counter protesters were hit as they turned a corner during their protest march. They were chanting things like “our streets” in response to the words “Unite the Right.” This happened after police had dispersed a group of white nationalists, CBS reported.

Here is one video from the scene. WARNING: This video may be disturbing. 

2. Alt-Right Demonstrators Were Protesting the Removal of a Robert E. Lee Statue

GettyThe car that allegedly plowed through a crowd of protestors marching through a downtown shopping district is seen after the vehicle was stopped by police several blocks away.

White nationalists had been clashing with counter protesters for hours before the collision. Alt-right demonstrators were protesting the city’s decision to remove a state of Confederate General Robert E. Lee from Emancipation Park.

Here’s another video from the scene.

WARNING: This video is graphic and shows the moment the driver hit the crowd.

Some of the protesters were removed and they are now saying they will sue. (Note: It’s those who were protesting the statue’s removal who are threatening to sue, not the counter protesters.)

3. The Charlottesville Police Chief Said the Crash Was ‘Premeditated’

The Charlottesville Police Chief, Al Thomas, said the crash was premeditated.

Witnesses referred to the crash as a “deliberate act of terrorism.” Others said the car appeared to deliberately mow down pedestrians.

4. A State of Emergency Had Been Declared in the City

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe had declared a state of emergency in the city because of violence that was breaking out between protesters and counter protesters. In fact, a group of white nationalists had just been dispersed shortly before the car rammed into the counter protesters who were carrying LBTQ flags and Black Lives Matters signs.

This disturbing photo below shows the moment the car hit the crowd:

5. Some Victims Were Injured Seriously

Reports varied on how many people were hurt, with early reports estimating four to six. Authorities said the injuries ranged from minor to life-threatening. Later, a hospital official confirmed that one person had died and 19 were injured. Now that number is up to 34, with 19 injured in the crash and 15 in the rally. An additional two people died in a helicopter crash connected to the events.

Later that evening, UVA Health System shared that five patients were in critical condition, four in serious condition, six in fair condition, and four more in good condition.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is available.

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