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White supremacist arrested on charges related to Charlottesville protests

By Ray Downs
Protesters gather in Charlottesville, Va., on August 12 in response to a rally that demonstrated against the removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. Photo by Virginia State Police/UPI
Protesters gather in Charlottesville, Va., on August 12 in response to a rally that demonstrated against the removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. Photo by Virginia State Police/UPI | License Photo

Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Christopher Cantwell, a white supremacist featured in a Vice documentary about the Charlottesville protests, turned himself into authorities in Virginia Wednesday night.

Cantwell had warrants for his arrest on two felony counts of illegal use of tear gas and other gases, and one felony count of malicious bodily injury with a caustic substance.

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The charges were related to actions Cantwell allegedly committed in Charlottesville on the eve of the Aug. 12 Unite the Right rally, reported the Daily Progress.

In interviews after the clashes, which led to the death of a counter-protester, Cantwell said he believes the charges stem from a photograph taken during the protests that show him "pepper-spraying a guy straight in his face as he's coming toward me."

"I thought that spraying that guy was the least damaging thing I could do," Cantwell said.

"I don't think I did anything wrong and I'm looking forward to my day in court."

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