Charlottesville: Police officer accused of celebrating death of woman hit by car during protests

'Hahahaha love this, maybe people shouldn’t block road ways,' wrote Conrad Lariviere on article about the attack

A police officer is being investigated after posting a Facebook comment appearing to celebrate people being killed and injured during violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Conrad Lariviere, who works in Massachusetts' Springfield Police Department, commented saying “love this” on a story about a 32-year-old woman being killed and 19 others injured when a car ploughed into crowds during clashes between white supremacist groups and anti-racism campaigners.

“Hahahaha love this, maybe people shouldn’t block road ways,” he wrote below an article about those injured in the incident.

Referring to the driver of the vehicle, he wrote: “How do you know he was a Nazi scumbag? Stop being part of the problem.”

As other Facebook users responded in disbelief and criticised his comments, asking if he had ever been hit by a car, Mr Lariviere replied: “Actually I’ve been hit by a sh*tbag with warrants but who cares right you ignorant brat live in fantasy land with the rest of America while I deal with the real danger."

Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri said he had received a complaint about the comment and opened an internal investigation.

"I received notification of this Facebook post earlier today via email from a complainant,” he said.

“The post is purportedly from Springfield police officer. I took immediate steps to initiate a prompt and thorough internal investigation.

"If in fact this post did originate from an officer employed with the Springfield Police Department, this matter will be reviewed by the Community Police Hearings Board for further action."

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, a Democrat, later released a statement saying: "I just got done issuing a statement this morning on how upsetting the tragic incidents were in Charlottesville, Virginia and one of our own officers does this? Unbelievable!

“There is no place for this in our society, let alone from a Springfield Police Officer. I stand by and commend Commissioner John Barbieri's steps for a thorough internal investigation and review by our Community Police Hearing Board to pursue the appropriate discipline against said officer."

Speaking to MassLive, Mr Lariviere confirmed he was a police officer and said he regretted making “a stupid comment about people blocking streets”.

"Never would I want someone to get murdered,” he added. “I am not a racist and don't believe in what any of those protesters are doing.

“I'm a good man who made a stupid comment and would just like to be left alone."

The car attack took place amid clashes at a “Unite the Right” march in Charlottesville. Video footage showed a grey Dodge Charger speeding into crowds of anti-racist campaigners.

Heather Heyer, a 32-year-old paralegal, was killed after being hit by the vehicle.

James Fields, 20, a member of a fascist group, has been arrested and charged with second degree murder.