Joseph R. Checklick Jr: A Man drives into crowd of protesters at ‘No Kings’ rally in Virginia

CULPEPER, Va. — A 21-year-old man is in custody after allegedly driving an SUV into a crowd of protesters during a peaceful demonstration in Culpeper on Saturday afternoon.

Police say Joseph R. Checklick Jr., of Culpeper, intentionally accelerated into the group gathered near James Madison Highway, striking at least one person. The victim’s condition has not been publicly released.

Checklick Jr. was arrested at the scene and charged with reckless driving. He is currently being held without bond at the Culpeper County Jail.

The incident occurred during a “No Kings” rally, one of thousands held nationwide this weekend to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and to protest what organizers called growing authoritarianism. The demonstrations also coincided with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and a large-scale military parade in Washington, D.C.

Local organizers say over 600 people attended the Culpeper event, with roughly 200 gathering on Main Street and more than 400 along James Madison Highway, where the incident occurred.

The Culpeper Democrats, one of the event’s organizers, posted a statement on Facebook following the incident, thanking local police for their “quick response and for keeping our protest safe.”

Authorities have not released further details about the injured protester or whether additional charges may be filed.