Donald Trump ‘Authorizes’ Law To Jail People For Vandalizing Statues
Image via Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock.com
Anti-racism protests emerging across the US have propelled some demonstrators to deface or pull down monuments with slavery or racism ties. President Donald Trump wants to put an end to this.
On Tuesday, Trump warned on Twitter that vandals could face up to 10 years of jail time for destroying a monument or statue, as he has allegedly given the green light to punish protesters partaking in such acts.
“I have authorized the Federal Government to arrest anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument, statue, or other such Federal property in the US with up to 10 years in prison,” Trump’s post read.
The threat was a response to attempts by protesters who had taken down the statue of Andrew Jackson near the White House on Monday.
CBS News reported that Trump would back up his claims by invoking the Veteran’s Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act, which imposes criminal penalties on anyone who “willfully injures or destroys, or attempts to injure or destroy… veterans’ memorials.”
This specific law will apply to “any structure, plaque, statue or other monuments on public property commemorating the service of any person or persons in the armed forces of the US.”
Trump said its implementation was “effective immediately, but may also be used retroactively for destruction or vandalism already caused.”
.....This action is taken effective immediately, but may also be used retroactively for destruction or vandalism already caused. There will be no exceptions!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 23, 2020
WATCH: Protesters tried to topple the Andrew Jackson statue near the White House Monday. They were eventually dispersed by police, who used pepper spray to clear out the area https://t.co/nOxSNLTAa8 pic.twitter.com/8w1E2QsV01
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 23, 2020
[via Complex, cover image via Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock.com]
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