The rally called by the white nationalists on the anniversary of the Charlottesville incident seemed to have more counter protesters than supporters. The "Unite the Right 2" rally in Washington was attended by 20 far-right supporters against the 400 expected.
Everywhere the group went, they were booed and taunted by counter protesters who chanted, "Nazis go home!" or "Shame! Shame! Shame!" Anti-white nationalists had been gathering throughout the day as part of a series of demonstrations led by members of 40 anti-racism groups.
The 20 supporters listened to impromtu speeches in the Lafayette Suare in front of the White House. Led by activist Jason Kessler, who also organised last year's rally, the group emerged from a subway station holding an American flag and walked towards the White House. But the gathering soon came to an end when it began to rain.
The heavy police presence kept the two sides separate. The rally was denied permit in Charlottesville this year, but was allowed in Washington.
The rally came a year after street brawls broke out in downtown Charlottesville, after a woman was killed by a man who dorve his car into a crowd of counter protesters. The white nationalist were angered by a plan to remove a Confederate general's statue. The rally marked the time after which racial tensions in the US elevated.
By Sunday evening, authorities said that two arrests had been made in connection to Sunday's protests, both on charges of simple assault.
Sunday's demonstrations and the opposing rallies took place against a backdrop of heightened racial tensions in the US, CNN reported.
Recent months have seen a series of high-profile incidents in which police were called on people of colour for innocuous acts, like napping in a dormitory common room, having a barbecue and going to the pool.
This week, NFL players in the first pre-season games resumed their protests over police brutality against blacks by raising their fists, kneeling or sitting out during the National Anthem.
Meanwhile, the president called the nation to unite and condemned "all types of racism and acts of violence".
The riots in Charlottesville a year ago resulted in senseless death and division. We must come together as a nation. I condemn all types of racism and acts of violence. Peace to ALL Americans!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 11, 2018