Donald Trump has confirmed the arrest of numerous individuals and is requesting assistance in identifying 15 other suspects connected to the vandalism of Federal Property in Lafayette Park.
On Friday, the US president shared an image on Twitter depicting the individuals believed by U.S. Park Police to have vandalized an Andrew Jackson statue in Washington’s Lafayette Square area on Monday.
He captioned the image with the message: ‘MANY people in custody, with many others being sought for Vandalization of Federal Property in Lafayette Park. 10-year prison sentences!’
MANY people in custody, with many others being sought for Vandalization of Federal Property in Lafayette Park. 10 year prison sentences! @FBIWFO pic.twitter.com/mrLyxbWNvq
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 26, 2020
Black Lives Matter protesters attempted to topple a statue of Andrew Jackson outside the White House amidst demonstrations incited by the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died in Minneapolis police custody on May 25.
The Park Police and FBI are currently searching for the 15 suspects.
This announcement comes three days after President Trump authorized the Federal Government to apprehend anyone responsible for vandalizing statues and cautioned that offenders face up to 10 years in prison, in response to the Black Lives Matter protests in the US.