Four Charged In Attempted Toppling of Andrew Jackson Statue

Four men have been charged with destruction of federal property for allegedly trying to topple the statue of Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Square, the Department of Justice announced Saturday.

The men were identified as Lee Michael Cantrell of Virginia, 47; Connor Matthew Judd of D.C., 20; Ryan Lane of Maryland, 37; and Graham Lloyd of Maine, 37. The DOJ says other “unidentified individuals” were also involved.

According to a statement from the U.S. attorney’s office announcing the charges, the four men were caught on video trying to topple the statue.

Acting U.S. Attorney for D.C. Michael R. Sherwin said his office would not “stand idly by and allow our national monuments to be vandalized and destroyed.” He said while people have a First Amendment right to protest, the charges should “serve as a warning” that “violent behavior and criminal conduct will not be tolerated.”