Our staff gave a copy of the video to the FBI on Aug. 17, and forwarded copies to the Virginia State Police and the Charlottesville Police Department on Aug. 20. We have offered to turn over all other photos and videos our representatives captured that day if law enforcement wants them.
Our staff discovered the video during a routine review of all photos and videos taken by staff and volunteers on the scene. Upon discovery, because it appeared to document a person firing a gun at another person, we turned the video over to law enforcement agencies investigating civil rights violations and other criminal acts committed before and during the rally and after it was dispersed.
We believe that the public interest is best served by transparency. Our decision to release the video of this significant event is consistent with our regular calls for law enforcement to release body-camera video that depicts any incident of public concern.
Our goals continue to be to assist in the arrest and prosecution of anyone who committed a crime or civil rights violation on Aug. 12, to encourage law enforcement agencies by example to act to restore public confidence by releasing their full tactical plan and training materials for Aug. 12, and to help ensure that future events will be safer for everyone involved.
