Closed at Sunset
After 23 days of nearly non-stop demonstrator occupation of the grounds surrounding Lee Circle the Department of General Services announced enforcement of regulations on the state owned memorial.
Concerned with the risk of the state or counter-activists painting over the messages on the monument demonstrators have occupied the area 24 hours a day. Additionally over the past few weeks demonstrators setup overnight camping tents and accumulated furniture around the circle along with makeshift tents providing prepared foods.
Unfortunately this occupation resulted in numerous undesirable and unlawful activities on the memorial grounds and surrounding area.
In a statement from the Department of General Services "Concerns are mounting for the safety of those in attendance of the events and for those living and working within the immediate area, especially at night. The substantial increase in pedestrian and bicycle traffic in and around the monument and intermittent blockages to vehicular traffic within the intersection pose serious safety risks. In addition, such legal violations as vandalism, trespassing on nearby private properties, littering, public urination and excessive noise have steadily been on the rise."
Further the Department of General Services announced:
With the conclusion of the Juneteenth holiday weekend, the Lee Monument grounds will close to the public from sunset to sunrise beginning Monday, June 22, 2020, in accordance with the Virginia Department of General Services’ (DGS) regulations. Officers will stress education and encourage voluntary compliance with the regulations prior to any enforcement actions.
The state authorities also announced other restrictions on activities in Lee Circle:
"These steps are necessary to provide a safe and secure area for individuals who want to express their First Amendment rights peacefully, as well as general visitors to the site, City of Richmond residents and property owners."
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