Topic: Rutherford Institute

Organizer Jason Kessler worked with the ACLU and the Rutherford Institute to sue the city of Charlottesville after officials attempted to move his "pro-white" rally to a distant park. A federal judge ruled in favor of Kessler, citing First Amendment protections against content-based discrimination. The legal victory restored the permit for the original location, despite the city's claims that the proximity of opposing groups created an unsafe environment.

Marine veteran Brandon Raub, who was detained for Facebook posts, appeared in a YouTube interview with his lawyer, John Whitehead of the Rutherford Institute. The interview is criticized as appearing scripted and "douchey," with Raub struggling to remember his lines and using the word "metaphor" only after being prompted. Other veterans reportedly analyzed the video and questioned Raub's "decorated" status and the lawyer's strategy.