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Jason Kessler Stops Seeking Permit To Hold Charlottesville Anniversary Rally

Jason Kessler is no longer seeking a permit to hold a Unite the Right anniversary rally in Charlottesville on Aug. 11 and 12, CBS19 News reported.

In federal court on Tuesday, he withdrew his motion to overturn the city’s denial of his permit.

Kessler, who planned last year’s rally, arrived to the hearing nearly 45 minutes late, the station reported. At one point, the judge ordered a recess so Kessler’s attorneys could go find him.

When Kessler eventually arrived, he informed the judge that he was withdrawing his motion, and the judge dismissed the case.

Kessler has not given any details about whether he still plans to hold an event in Charlottesville the weekend of Aug. 12 — which marks a year since the violent rally that resulted in the death of a counter-protestor.

He had been given initial approval to hold an Aug. 12 “Unite the Right 2” rally at Lafayette Square across from the White House. However, according to CBS19, the permit application is still being considered by the National Park Service.

Alyssa Fisher is a news writer at the Forward. Email her at [email protected], or follow her on Twitter at @alyssalfisher

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