WASHINGTON, D.C. — Hundreds of white nationalists were expected to demonstrate in Washington, D.C. in effort to stand up for what they describe as "white civil rights."
But only a little more than dozen showed up.
- 'Unite the Right 2' rally held on anniversary of fatal event
- 2017 event turned violent between protesters, counterprotesters
- Sunday's rally held in D.C.; law enforcement prepared for worst
Sunday marked the one-year anniversary of the fatal "Unite the Right" rally, which was initially held in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Tensions rose during the 2017 event, and at one point, a car plowed into pedestrians who were protesting the white supremacists, killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer.
A suspected Neo-Nazi sympathizer was charged in her death.
Two Virginia State Patrol Troopers were also killed in a helicopter crash as they were trying to bring calm to the area.
The 2nd "Unite the Right" rally is took place Sunday in D.C. for the one-year anniversary, and officials in Washington prepared for the worst.
With all the demonstrators and counterprotesters planning to march in D.C. Sunday, law enforcement officers were out in full force, making sure everyone can voice their beliefs peacefully.
But the worst-case scenario was not realized.
Organizer Jason Kessler believed he would maybe have up to 400 people, but that did not happen. Spectrum News reporter Eva McKend says she observed about only two dozen protestors.
And due to storms, they had to clear out.
President Donald Trump tweeted Saturday saying he condemns racism and violence and says Americans must come together.
Vice President Pence also released a statement saying, "One year after Charlottesville, we remember the tragic events that took place and mourn the loss of life that day."
He continued, "Bigotry, racism, and hatred run counter to our most cherished values and have no place in American society.
Anyone not participating in the "Unite the Right 2" rally or counterprotest were asked to avoid the White House on Sunday.
Law enforcement officers set up safety barriers and are preparing for the day ahead, in an effort to prevent violence.
Signs and flags are allowed and permits aren't needed for demonstrators in groups of 25 people or less.
The National Park Service permits suggested counterprotesters outnumbered white nationalists with more than three times the participants.
On the Unite the Right website, demonstrators were urged not to speak to the media or fight with counterprotestors. They were also asked to bring a body camera and an American or Confederate flag.
The Unite the Right rally ended two hours early, with organizers and police citing the rain as the reason for shutting down.
Spectrum News D.C. Reporter Eva McKend contributed to this report.