A judge in Richmond has stopped Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam from removing a controversial statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, at least temporarily.
Richmond Circuit Court Judge Bradley Cavedo granted a 10-day injunction on Monday after a lawsuit argued that the state promised to “affectionately protect” the statue when it annexed the land it stands on from Henrico County, according to the Washington Post.
The lawsuit was brought by William Gregory, the great-grandson of a couple who were signatories to the deed.
Northam, a Democrat, said last week that the statue would be removed amid massive protests across the country in opposition to police brutality and racial injustice. The 14-foot statue, which sits on a 50-foot base, has stood in the Monument Avenue traffic circle for 130 years.
In the deed detailing the land transfer, the state “guaranteed” to “hold said statue and pedestal and circle of ground perpetually sacred to the monumental purpose” and to “faithfully guard it and affectionately protect it,” Gregory’s lawyer said in the court filing.
Northam spokeswoman Alena Yarmosky said the governor “remains committed to removing this divisive symbol from Virginia’s capital city, and we’re confident in his authority to do so.”
“Our administration is still reviewing the order,” she said.
