Charlottesville looking to prevent future hate rallies through policy

The city of Charlottesville is cooking up a plan to block torch-wielding hate mongers from returning after a third and unannounced visit by Richard Spencer’s followers.

Officials in the Virginia college town said Sunday they are forming a task force to research changes to local and state policies after dozens of white supremacists and nationalists flocked to a contentious Confederate statue for the first time since a fatal attack on peaceful protesters.

The announcement follows Mayor Mike Signer’s pledge Saturday night to seek legal options aimed at stopping the hate-spouting rallies for good.

RELATED: A look back at August's violent Charlottesville protests

“It is unconscionable that Mr. Spencer and his allies would return to our City to intimidate and spread fear, especially after their morally reprehensible invasion of the city on August 12th,” city officials said in a statement outlining their plan.

The city announced it is hiring the Richmond-based Hunton & Williams law firm to help the task force by leading an independent review of the Spencer's rallies on May 13, July 8 and August 12 rallies.

The nighttime August rally preluded the Unite the Right event that attracted hundreds of white supremacists from at least 35 states, according to the Anti-Defamation League, including an Ohio neo-Nazi accused of killing paralegal Heather Heyers.

News of the task force comes about 24 hours after the chanting group gathered for several minutes under the tribute to Gen. Robert E. Lee, which has been shrouded by a black tarp since September. The group then boarded a bus and slipped out of the city.

The task force’s timeline is expected to produce a sweeping legislative package to grant municipalities greater authority over “the conditions under which a group or organization can hold a rally or demonstration” — and the ability to remove monuments, which is not currently allowed under state code.

The city will also explore banning some firearms in public places before the end of the year.

Findings from the independent probe of their rallies will be presented during a hearing in December.