Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - In a driving rain and thunderstorm, with thousands of people cheering, the statue of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson was removed from its pedestal.
The removal came after hours of work, and after Mayor Levar Stoney told City Council he believed he had the authority to move forward. City Councilman Mike Jones attended the removal and said he backed the mayor. The crowds grew as news of the removal spread.
There was one counter-protestor who went to the Monument and waved a pro-Monument flag. That man was quickly swarmed and law enforcement had to whisk him away. His pro-Monument flag was also taken from him and burned.
The statue first went up on Monument in 1919. Virginia Republicans tweeted out a criticism of the removal after the statue came down.
The Jefferson Davis statue on Monment was removed by protestors last month.