Capital of Resistance

Charlottesville's mayor wanted his city to be recognized as a "Capital of Resistance" to the Trump presidency. 

Did Mayor Signer, Gov. McAuliffe,  and perhaps other political higher ups let political ideology overrule any duty to provide public safety when they withheld police protection in Charlottesville on Saturday?

Via the Daily Caller:

Law enforcement was on hand at the dueling demonstrations on Saturday, decked out in riot gear and looking prepared for the worst. Except they weren’t allowed to do their job. Police on the scene were reported to have been ordered to “not intervene until given command to do so,” according to the ACLU. That kept them from suppressing the numerous scuffles that broke out. 

When police were ordered to disperse the alt-right rally, that act directed the white nationalists into the antifa demonstrators, leading to further street brawls. Police didn’t seem to try to get in between the two groups or suppress the fights. 

As ProPublica reported, state police and National Guardsmen mostly stood aside and watched as the violence grew worse. 

This appears to be a direct result of what appears to be a stand down order from higher-ups.

It is entirely plausible the political structure in Charlottesville, a city declared a "capital of resistance" to the Trump administration, wanted to cement its reputation with clashes in the streets. Political power structure also likely knew that media would dutifully report any violence that transpired could and would be blamed on "white nationalists."

When a mayor preaches doctrines of political extremism, no one should be surprised if opposing extremists eventually clash under his watch.

From earlier this year:

Mayor Mike Signer speaking outside City Hall earlier, where he declared Charlottesville a "capital of resistance" against Trump presidency pic.twitter.com/02RfBawAXH

— The Cavalier Daily (@cavalierdaily) January 31, 2017