Los Angeles police have arrested six suspects in connection with the recent vandalism of a George Washington statue near City Hall.
Police confirmed the booking of Anna Asher (30); Elizabeth Brookey (20); Emma Juncosa (23); Andrew Johnson (22); Barham Lashley (30); and Christopher Woodard (33) in a series of tweets over the weekend.
County records show bail set at $20,000 for each suspect.
Authorities added that the District Attorney’s Office will soon receive the case and consider felony filings.
“The George Washington Statue broke from the base and fell to the ground,” police told a local NBC affiliate of the Aug. 13 crime. “The group, including the six people arrested, cheered and celebrated as others vandalized and spray painted the statue.”
LAPD also noted the retrieval of a laser pointer, a gas mask, a change of clothing and other materials during the arrest.
Social media posts regarding the statue, which was presented to L.A. County in 1933 by the Women’s Community Service, referenced “white supremacy” and slavery as a rationale for toppling the statue.
Well, they’ve got George Washington around the neck pic.twitter.com/RoZpVEG0Cp
— Border Photog #blm (@desertborder) August 14, 2020
Similar statements were made on Twitter regarding a George Washington statue that was torn down in Portland, Oregon, in June.
Activists have used the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis while in police custody to target statues for months.
Memorials to Andrew Jackson, Ronald Reagan, Christopher Columbus, Jesus Christ, and the Virgin Mary have been defaced or destroyed across the country.
The LAPD arrested 6 suspects after a statue of George Washington was toppled over & vandalized in Grand Park on Aug 13. Ofcrs recovered a gas mask, laser pointer, helmet, goggles, arm protectors & change of clothing to conceal identity. Any info call Central Division 213-833-3750 pic.twitter.com/D2GPinroT3
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) August 16, 2020
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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