NC: Durham County sheriff to seek criminal charges against protesters who toppled Confederate statue

Durham County Sheriff Mike Andrews said he will seek criminal charges against protesters who pulled down a Confederate statue in front of the old Durham County courthouse Monday night.

“County leaders were aware of the risk of damage to the Confederate statute, as well as, the potential risk of injury to the public and officers should deputies attempt to control the crowd. Collectively, we decided that restraint and public safety would be our priority,” Andrews wrote.

“As the Sheriff, I am not blind to the offensive conduct of some demonstrators nor will I ignore their criminal conduct. With the help of video captured at the scene, my investigators are working to identify those responsible for the removal and vandalism of the statue.”