Heather Heyer
Heather Heyer was an activist killed during the Unite the Right rally in August, 2017. Her mother, Susan Bro started a foundation in Heather Heyer's name which has since closed.[1]
Unite the Right Rally
Heather Heyer was killed at the Unite the Right rally held on August 11–12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia by diagnosed schizophrenic[2] James Alex Fields, Jr., who rammed his vehicle into a crowd. Many others were injured.
During the event, a police helicopter surveilling the crowd crashed, killing Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen, 48, and Trooper-Pilot Berke M. M. Bates, 40.[3]
Aftermath
In the aftermath of the Unite the Right rally, Heather Heyer was honored by many militant left organizations, including the Jewish Solidarity Caucus, Democratic Socialists of America and Industrial Workers of the World.[4],[5],[6] Kamala Harris tweeted "Heather Heyer was tragically killed in service of the idea that our diversity is our power. It’s on us to honor her memory with action."[7]
While there was speculation that Heather Heyer was a member of the Industrial Workers of the World, the organization released a statement putting that rumor to rest:[8]
- August 16, 2017
- Charlottesville woman murdered by fascists was not IWW member, is an antifascist hero.
- Heather Heyer, the 32-year old murdered by fascists on August 12, 2017, lost her life protesting the fascists. She should be alive with us today. We carry her in our hearts, and move forward with the struggle determined to realize the hopes she held when she faced down the fascists.
- On the internet, it has been widely reported that Heather was a member of our union, the IWW. It does not appear that she ever joined our union, but we would have welcomed her. She was a courageous woman and we should all seek inspiration from her and work to amplify her message. Members of the IWW were on the scene and were among the wounded. Like Heather, they courageously stood up to the forces of hate in one of the largest fascist gatherings in decades. We are grateful that they remain with us, and we are furious that Heather is with us no longer.
- Rest In Power, Heather. You were a comrade and a hero. We don't forget. We won't forgive. We will continue the fight.
References
- ↑ Susan Bro Tweet dated December 5, 2022 (accessed August 30, 2023)
- ↑ James Alex Fields Jr., man accused of ramming car into Charlottesville protesters, previously accused of beating mother (accessed August 30, 2023)
- ↑ Vortex Ring State: Virginia State Police Bell 407 Fatal Accident (accessed August 30, 2023)
- ↑ James Alex Fields Jr. has Schizophrenia & Other Revelations (accessed August 30, 2023)
- ↑ Tweet from the Jewish Solidarity Caucus (accessed August 30, 2023)
- ↑ Tweet about Heather Heyer from Metro DC DSA dated August 13, 2017 (accessed August 30, 2023)
- ↑ Kamala Harris Tweet about Heather Heyer dated August 14, 2017 (accessed August 30, 2023)
- ↑ Statement about Heather Heyer from IWW dated August 16, 2017 (accessed August 30, 2023)