Birmingham will be sued for $25K if it removes Confederate monument, Alabama AG says

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) — Birmingham can remove its Confederate monument downtown at Linn Park if it chooses to, by law, Alabama's attorney general said Monday.

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AG Steve Marshall said in a news release, the day after protesters attempted to remove and defaced the monument, that if the city chooses to remove it there will be a one-time $25,000 fine. Per Alabama's Monuments Preservation Act.

Should the City of Birmingham proceed with the removal of the monument in question, based upon multiple conversations I have had today, city leaders understand I will perform the duties assigned to me by the Act to pursue a new civil complaint against the City. In the aftermath of last night’s violent outbreak, I have offered the City of Birmingham the support and resources of my office to restore peace to the City.

Mayor Randall Woodfin appealed for calm in the city Sunday night after protesters, gathered to grieve the death of Minnesota man George Floyd, spent hours defacing the monument and attempting to pull it down. When their attempts were unsuccessful many turned to destroying buildings in downtown Birmingham.

On Monday night work had begun by city crews to remove the monument with heavy moving equipment, so it appeared Woodfin was willing.

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Editors note: This story's headline has been changed to more accurately reflect Attorney General Steve Marshall's statement.