United States president Donald Trump has stated that a ten-year jail term awaits those who vandalize statues or monuments in the country.
President Trump’s comments come amid increasing number of statues across the United States (and in the U.K.)being toppled by Black Lives Matter protesters.
Since the killing of George Floyd several weeks ago, many have taken to the streets to protest police brutality and systemic racism, bringing down a number of statues with racist histories.
On June 23, 2020, President Trump took to his Twitter page to make the following comments regarding the development:
I have authorized the Federal Government to arrest anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument, statue or other such Federal property in the U.S. with up to 10 years in prison, per the Veteran’s Memorial Preservation Act, or such laws that may be pertinent…
This action is taken effective immediately, but may also be used retroactively for destruction or vandalism already caused. There will be no exceptions!
See a snapshot of the posts below:
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