Charlottesville, VA hired former US Attorney Tim Heaphy to conduct an independent review of the events of August 12, when violence broke out during a white supremacist rally. The 207 page document was recently released, and seems to present an unbiased examination of the situation. Heapy’s report points to a lack of communication and inter-agency cooperation. Police were also reported to have avoided stepping in as the various groups clashed, and even ignored reports of gunfire, according to Frank Buck, former mayor of Charlottesville. Law enforcement seemed simultaneously under prepared and over prepared. When the congregation of Beth Israel requested a police officer to be stationed at the synagogue, they were told that there would be an unarmed officer on a nearby street corner. The congregation ultimately hired a private security firm. On the other hand, state police wanted to put snipers on the roof of Christ Episcopal Church. The church had initially offered to let the police use the building as a staging ground, but when they heard about the sniper plan, permission was withdrawn.
The full report can be found here.