After reviewing the video from the scene, the authorities reportedly identified and arrested four men for allegedly attempting to dismantle the Andrew Jackson statue in Washington D.C.
On June 22, protests were taking place in Lafayette Square when four men began attempting to destroy the statue of Andrew Jackson that stands in the nation’s capital.
As reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, video footage showed the men in the act of trying to take down and destroy the statue.
When the video was reviewed, the authorities believed 47-year-old Lee Michael Cantrell, 20-year-old Connor Matthew Judd, 37-year-old Ryan Lane, and 37-year-old Graham Lloyd were the parties responsible for the alleged acts.
The video allegedly shows all four men, some using straps and others using rope, trying to pull the fixture down.
It was further alleged that Cantrell applied a piece of wood to the base in a purported attempt to dislodge the statue from its foundation, and Lloyd reportedly destroyed the cannon wheels after successfully removing them from the piece.
The authorities additionally asserted that Lloyd can be seen in the video as he handed what appeared to be a hammer to a person that was not reportedly involved in the incident.
Cantrell, Judd, Lane, and Lloyd were each issued criminal complaints on June 26, and they are facing charges for suspicion of destruction of federal property for their alleged acts upon the likeness of the 7th President of the United States.
The Acting Chief of the U.S. Park Police stated that they remain “committed to ensuring that citizens are able to freely exercise their constitutional rights in a safe and peaceful manner,” but will not tolerate acts of violence or destruction.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a crime, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.