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Supporters And Opponents Rally At Silent Sam Statue Site In Chapel Hill

The crowds have gathered in different places on campus, but mainly near the site where the Silent Sam statue normally stands. The statue was torn down Monday.

CHAPEL HILL, NC -- Supporters and opponents have squared off with each other and police on campus at University of NC Chapel Hill.

The crowds have gathered in different places on campus, but mainly near the site where the Silent Sam statue normally stands. The statue was torn down Monday.

Some people in the crowd have targeted police

RELATED | 3 People Charged In Toppling of Confederate Statue 'Silent Sam' on UNC Campus

Saturday, police confirm to WFMY News 2 that as of 12:45 p.m., seven arrests have been made in connection to a gathering on McCorkle Place.

Charges include: three arrests were for assault, the fourth for destruction of property and the fifth arrest for resisting an officer. The sixth arrest was for assault, destruction of property and inciting a riot. Information on the seventh arrest is pending.

The University says depending on the size of the rally, streets may be closed and traffic may be rerouted around campus. The University is urging people in the community and students not to attend for safety reasons.

PHOTOS| Silent Sam Statue Site Rally In Chapel Hill

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Earlier before the rally began, the University issued the following statement.
"We understand the rally may be on campus at McCorkle Place and in the Town of Chapel Hill, and we are working closely with town officials and law enforcement to ensure the safety of our communities. which remains our highest priority. We respect and believe in the First Amendment, the Campus Free Speech Act and the rights of peaceful protestors. We do not know for sure what groups may attend, but we are mindful that the current atmosphere is highly charged, and protests that begin peacefully do not always remain that way."
More stories:RELATED | NC Senate Leader Phil Berger Compares Silent Sam Protesters To 'Violent Mobs'Related: The Cost of Protecting the Silent Sam Confederate Monument

RELATED | SBI To Investigate After UNC's 'Silent Sam' Statue Torn Down During Protests

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