The bunch at Take ‘Em Down NOLA plan on tearing down Andrew Jackson’s statue on Saturday. They say they’re doing the protest the fact that the city is not moving fast enough to tear down Confederate monuments in New Orleans. A Federal judge has temporarily blocked the removal until the case works its way through the courts.
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The group is asking the New Orleans Police Department to not interfere when they take the statues down.
From The Advocate:
“We understand the city and the Police Department are able to prevent us” from taking down the statue,” said Malcolm Suber, one of the lead organizers of the group, as he stood in front of a group of about 20 supporters. “But we are asking them to step aside.”
It’s unlikely the city will agree to that request. After Take ‘Em Down announced their intentions last week, Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s administration asked that “any public demonstrations remain peaceful and respectful” and said that “vandalism of any public property is strictly prohibited.”
Asked about precautions that will be taken, Landrieu spokesman Hayne Rainey said, “NOPD is well trained to use the highest standards to protect people and property while ensuring the law is followed and is prepared to take necessary precautions to ensure public safety.”
Exit question: what’s the difference between Andrew Jackson and some of the Confederate monuments the city wants to demolish?
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