Update on access point entry to Downtown Charlottesville security area

Several hundred people have made their way into the Downtown Charlottesville security area since the perimeter was established at approximately 8 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 11, 2018). The majority of those passing through the access points have been in compliance with the city ordinance prohibitions. However, several items have been confiscated from individuals accessing the security area, including a pair of brass knuckles, a razor, a multi-purpose knife and aerosol cans.

Law enforcement personnel at the access points to the downtown security area will be enforcing the prohibited object restrictions as ordered by the Charlottesville City Manager. All persons and bags are being consensually searched for prohibited objects and cleared for access to the security perimeter. An individual has the right to refuse the search of his/her bag. No one is being denied entry. However, unsearched bags/purses/backpacks/packages will not be allowed entry into the access area.

The following items are prohibited within the downtown security area:
BB Guns, Pellet Guns, Air Rifles or Pistols, Paintball Guns, Nunchucks, Tasers, Stun Guns, Heavy Gauge Metal Chains, Lengths of Lumber or Wood, Poles, Bricks, Rocks, Metal Beverage or Food Cans or Containers, Glass Bottles, Axes, Axe Handles, Hatchets, Ice Picks, Acidic or Caustic Materials, Hazardous or Flammable or Combustible Liquids, Skateboards, Swords, Knives, Daggers, Razor Blades or Other Sharp Items, Metal Pipes, Pepper or Bear Spray, Mace, Aerosol Sprays, Catapults, Wrist Rockets, Bats, Sticks, Clubs, Drones, Explosives, Fireworks, Open Fire or Open Flames, and Any Other Item Considered an “Implement of Riot.”

The City of Charlottesville, Charlottesville Police and all partner agencies involved in safeguarding the Greater Charlottesville Region throughout the weekend continue to remain vigilant in anticipation of planned events. Media advisories and other informational releases will be disseminated as necessary to provide significant situational updates.

Citizens and media outlets seeking information related to current events in the Charlottesville area are encouraged to follow social media accounts for the City of Charlottesville and the University of Virginia. These channels are the most official and immediate sources of information during the weekend. Any statements or photos issued via these accounts are to be considered official and approved for media use.