WASHINGTON — Early Tuesday morning, President Donald Trump issued a tweet, expressing that he has directed Federal authorities to arrest anyone destroying a statue or monument.
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 other laws that may be pertinent…..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 23, 2020
“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 other laws that may be pertinent,” Trump tweeted.
“This action is taken effective immediately, but may also be used retroactively for destruction or vandalism already caused.”
“There will be no exceptions!”
This announcement was made after numerous Black Lives Matter riots have swept the country, with activists vandalizing and destroying a multitude of monuments and statues of historic figures.
