Black Lives Matter: Protesters try to pull down Andrew Jackson statue near White House

The Andrew Jackson statue remained on its pedestal. Photo / AP

Protesters tried to pull down a statue of former United States President Andrew Jackson near the White House before being dispersed by police.

WUSA-TV in Washington reported that police used pepper spray to move protesters out of Lafayette Square, where the Jackson statue is located. Videos posted on social media showed that the protesters had climbed on the statue and tied ropes around it, then tried to pull it off its pedestal.

The statue shows Jackson in a military uniform, riding a horse that is rearing on its hind legs. The 19th century president's ruthless treatment of Native Americans has made his statue a target of demonstrators protesting against the US legacy of racial injustice.

The Jackson statue remained on its pedestal.

Police thwart attempt by protesters to topple statue of Andrew Jackson near White House https://t.co/fYZq7ISxE0

— Katty Kay (@KattyKay_) June 23, 2020

President Donald Trump tweeted later that "Numerous people" had been arrested for "the disgraceful vandalism." He added: "10 years in prison under the Veteran's Memorial Preservation Act. Beware!"

Interior Secretary David Bernhardt was at the scene, and issued a statement saying: "Let me be clear: we will not bow to anarchists. Law and order will prevail, and justice will be served."

On June 1, law enforcement officers forcefully cleared peaceful protesters from Lafayette Square so Trump could stage a photo op at a nearby church.

- AP

Tense situation outside Lafayette Park by White House tonight: Police enforcements sent to prevent BLM protestors from toppling Andrew Jackson’s statue.

Secret Service told press to leave White House grounds (CNN) pic.twitter.com/vtovOaOUKu

— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) June 23, 2020