Man Charged After Driving Through Protest Near Washington, D.C.

A 21-year-old man has been charged with reckless driving after allegedly driving through a crowd of leftist protesters at a "No Kings" protest near Washington, D.C., injuring at least one person. Joseph R. Checklick Jr. was arrested and is being held without bond at the Culpeper County Jail. The incident occurred on James Madison Highway in Culpeper, Virginia, approximately 60 miles from Washington, D.C. The protests, which are part of over 1,800 anti-ICE demonstrations across the nation, are coinciding with a large military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the Army's 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump's 79th birthday. The flagship march is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with additional demonstrations in Maryland and Virginia towns bordering the District. Culpeper Democrats thanked the Culpeper Police Department for their "quick response and for keeping our protest safe." The rally was one of thousands taking place nationwide. This incident comes amid heightened tensions, including a recent fatal shooting by a leftist appointee linked to "No Kings" flyers. The shooter targeted a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband, and attempted to murder another lawmaker and his wife. The murdered lawmaker had recently joined Republicans to cut healthcare for adult illegal aliens. This is a developing story, and additional details may emerge as investigations continue.

Published: 6/15/2025