Torch-carrying white nationalists march at University of Virginia while chanting Nazi-slogans
A group of white nationalists sparked outrage on a college campus in Virginia on Friday after the marched with torches across campus while chanting Nazi expressions.
The demonstrators marched on the campus grounds at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville late Friday as precursor to a Saturday protest planned to publicly oppose the removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
SEE MORE: Charlottesville braces for influx of white nationalists
Marches could be heard chanting slogans including "white lives matter" and "you will not replace us." Others could be heard chanting "blood and soil," a well-known Nazi rallying cry. Police eventually declared the protest an unlawful assembly and both protesters and counter protesters reported being pepper sprayed.
See photos of the rally
Some videos captured at the scene appeared to show counter protesters clashing with the white nationalists.
University of Virginia president Teresa A. Sullivan condemned the protesters in a statement issued late Friday night.
As President of the University of Virginia, I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the hateful behavior displayed by torch-bearing protestors that marched on our Grounds this evening. I strongly condemn the unprovoked assault on members of our community, including University personnel who were attempting to maintain order.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the incident, and it is my hope that any individuals responsible for criminal acts are held accountable. The violence displayed on Grounds is intolerable and is entirely inconsistent with the University's values.
Charlottesville Mayor Mike Signer condemned the protest, which he called as "cowardly parade of hatred, bigotry, racism, and intolerance march down the lawns of the architect of our Bill of Rights."
Former President Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia.
"Everyone has a right under the First Amendment to express their opinion peaceably, so here's mine: not only as the Mayor of Charlottesville, but as a UVA faculty member and alumnus, I am beyond disgusted by this unsanctioned and despicable display of visual intimidation on a college campus," Signer said.
University Professor Larry Sabato, a well-known political pundit who has taught at the school for years, described the events as "nauseating."
"We need an exorcism on the Lawn," he added -- referencing the area of campus where the protesters gathered.
Police have estimated that between 2,000 and 6,000 protesters and counter-protesters may descend on Charlottesville for Saturday's rally, and an earlier protest held in July saw clashes between protest and counter protest groups.
The Southern Poverty Law Center has estimated that the event could be the largest hate-gathering on U.S. soil in decades.
RELATED: See what happened when white nationalists clashed with counter protesters earlier this summer
