On Monday, a leftist mob defaced and tried to topple a statue of Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Park directly across from the White House. In the wake of that incident, and radical mobs destroying or defacing historical U.S. monuments nationwide, President Trump announced in a tweet on Tuesday that he has “authorized” the federal government to arrest those who may vandalize or destroy federal property.
SEE ALSO: These States Are Prosecuting Rioters
The President said this enforcement would be in accordance with existing laws such as the Veteran’s Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act (VMPRA).
Trump added that “This action is taken effective immediately but may also be used retroactively for destruction or vandalism already caused. There will be no exceptions!” As noted by American Military News (AMN), the VMPRA provides up to 10 years imprisonment for violators (RELATED: A Running List of the Statues Vandalized Across America).
The Act specifies destruction toward “any structure, plaque, statue, or other monument on public property commemorating the service of any person or persons in the armed forces of the United States.”
Interior Secretary David Bernhardt also tweeted Monday night, “I just left Lafayette Square where another so-called ‘peaceful protest’ led to destruction tonight. Let me be clear: we will not bow to anarchists. Law and order will prevail, and justice will be served.”
In addition to the VMPRA, AMN notes that another federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 1361 states that those who intentionally destroy government property and incur more than $100 in damages are also subject to up to 10 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
Meanwhile, The Hill reported yesterday that the Pentagon announced that “400 National Guard members would play a civil disturbance and security role around the District.” Secretary Bernhardt who oversees Park Police, told reporters Tuesday evening he requested the assistance.
According to the Army spokesman, the National Guard troops have not fully deployed yet, stating:
They remain on standby at the DC Armory at this time. They will support U.S. Park Police at key monuments to prevent any defacing or destruction. The National Guard personnel will not be armed, and will serve as a uniformed deterrence and crowd management capacity to maintain closures and restricted areas.
Secretary Bernhardt added, according to The Hill, that he also requested fencing be placed around Lafayette Park as well as at St. John’s Church across the street which was almost torched by rioters on the night of May 31st (RELATED: Anti-Police Protests in D.C. Turn Violent [VIDEO]).
The National Guard units are expected to remain in the DC area until July 8. Thankfully this administration takes the issue of protecting and preserving law and order, and our nation’s monuments and symbols seriously.
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If they took it seriously those troops would be armed. D.C. is not a state how do they have a National Guard??? Federal troops. There is a Marine Barracks in DC. 8th and I
No much harsher penalties need to be in place. If you don’t like living in America move to Iraq or Iran see if they survive long there and then let them act up by starting war with Americans and we can make them meet their maker black or white whatever color they chose but meet him
A vote for Democrats is a vote for a fascist, socialist, Islamic world government.
You want them to quit destroying things, pull a Kent state on them and that will be the end of that.
EXACTLY, these animals deserve no less
10 Years behind bars with no time off for any reason. Apply to every communist domestic terrorist in BLM/Antifa. Round ’em up.
This has been going on for too long. The first time a business was looted or burned down or a monument destroyed Police should had taken action. F these so called peaceful protest. NONE HAVE BEEN PEACEFUL.
10 years hard time – No excuses. And if anybody caught is related to a politician , said politician is removed from office , all monies & properties to go to Veterans programs. If they refuse, the person(s) that did the damage will be hanged in public ( and televised ) and the politician gets the firing squad with out a blindfold.
????
Shoot someone in the head so his blood and brains get on someone. That’ll put a damper on things.
Robert, we may need you in the White House soon, please remain available.
This not a protest. This the far left trying to take over America. If all Americans don’t stand up now this will not end peacefully and there will be another civil war.
Yet our Politicians both Democrats and Republicans have said nor done ANYTHING about these riots to try and stop it. Police need to do their job and stop this madness otherwise true Americans will pick up our weapons and stop it ourselves and trust me, many many bodies will be in the streets.
Another big problem this country is facing will come in November. The Democrats will do ANYTHING to keep the House and take over the Senate and their number one weapon will be FRAUDULENT VOTING BY NON CITIZENS. This can not happen. This is why the Democrats want mail in ballots. After the mid term election in 2018 L.A County here in California found 1.5 million illegal voter registration. Another County during 2018 had to cancel over 100,000 Jury Summons because they found out they were not citizens yet where did they get the names?? OFF OF VOTER REGISTRATIONS. I would bet almost anything that righr California would have a Republican Governor if the voting was done right.
He should start dropping some five hundred pounders on their communist a$$’s
BLDM!!!! OWLM!!!!!!
Lol, you are so right
We are moving way too SLOW. All these Democratic Governors and Mayors need to be removed since they are allowing destructions of our cities. Trump said he will not allow this but has not done a thing to put a stop to it. Don’t put the National Guard with no weapons – If they are going to be puting law and order they need the weapons to defend themselves. If someone give them any trouble shoot them. These is war and if Trump does not put law and order soon we will lose our nation.
You know, I have never in my white life supported any hate group but lately, with all that is going on with BLM and ANTIFA basically saying how white people should die well guess what, I now support any and all white group the only problem is, I am 43% Jewish. Hmmm, I wonder if that would be a problem if not then WHITE POWER!!! OH YEAH, feels good
I totally agree with Mr. Gutierez, justice will be served when these trouble makers feel the
burn of what they have done. These urchins must feel the pain of correction, or it will continue!! By all means, our National Guard MUST be allowed to be armed to render justice !
It is foolish to send then out to protect our land and people, unarmed. They are going to have to make believers out of these thugs. The best way to do that is to let the terrorist feel the burn. Like very spoiled, mean children, they must be dealt with in a way that they will not soon forget ! Put the fear of the LAW on them !
The rapture is coming