The New Orleans Police Department is investigating an incident in which demonstrators allegedly damaged a statue and later threw it into the Mississippi River.
According to our media partners at The Advocate, two people were taken to NOPD headquarters after a group took down a bust of John McDonogh following a Take Back Pride Motorcade rally. Participants were protesting police brutality, systemic racism, and other issues.
The statue was allegedly damaged, dragged onto the street, loaded onto two trucks, and transported to Jax Brewery, where the statue was thrown into the Mississippi River.
The two individuals who drove the trucks transporting the statue were apprehended and brought to the NOPD, Mayor LaToya Cantrell said.
Video obtained by The Advocate shows protesters gathered around the statue and cheering when it is overturned and tossed into the river.
Mayor Cantrell tweeted a statement after the incident, saying, "The City of New Orleans rejects vandalism and destruction of City property. It is unlawful."
The City of New Orleans rejects vandalism and destruction of City property. It is unlawful. pic.twitter.com/CcAKfNFK5X
— Mayor LaToya Cantrell (@mayorcantrell) June 13, 2020
McDonogh left much of his fortune to the city of New Orleans for public schools and was also a slave owner. That has resulted in calls for his statues to be removed from Duncan Plaza and another in Lafayette Square, The Advocate reports.
About 200 people gathered at the New Orleans Criminal District Courthouse as word got out about the incident.
Click here for more from The Advocate.
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