KKK leader denied bail for firing weapon at Virginia rally
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A Baltimore Ku Klux Klan leader charged with firing a pistol during a violent white nationalist rally in Charlottesville has been denied bail despite his claim that he acted in self-defence.
Richard Wilson Preston is accused of firing a weapon within 1,000 feet of a school during the August rally.
The Daily Progress reports Preston told a judge Thursday that he drew his pistol twice: first when he was threatened by a man he thought was going to throw a newspaper box at him and again when threatened by a man with a nail-laden stick.
He said he fired a shot after a friend was threatened by a counterprotester holding a makeshift flamethrower.
The judge’s ruling means Preston will remain in the Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail pending a December hearing.
___
Information from: The Daily Progress, http://www.dailyprogress.com
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.