One person has died in clashes between white nationalist demonstrators and counter-protestors, the mayor of Charlottesville, Virginia said Saturday.

"I am heartbroken that a life has been lost here," wrote mayor Mike Signer on Twitter. "I urge all people of good will -- go home."

The announcement came after a car plowed into a group of people as the normally tranquil city erupted in violence and the state's governor declared a state of emergency.