Fallen police memorial removed from Richmond park following vandalism

A fallen police memorial was removed from Byrd Park in the city of Richmond after four cases of vandalism amid nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd in police custody.

The memorial, which honors police officers that have died in the line of duty, was removed on Thursday morning to keep it safe.

Previously, city crews

about causing further damage. A private group is responsible for the memorial and will be contacting someone who specializes in cleaning bronze statues.

The police memorial is one of many that have been damaged during protests sparked by George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody.

First, protesters

, followed by the

. The most recent statue to be torn from its pedestal was

.

The J.E.B. Stuart, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson monuments have also been covered in graffiti during the protests.