The Virginia judge who temporarily blocked the governor. Ralph Northam (D) to remove a large statue of the Confederate General. Robert E. Lee The Monument Avenue traffic circle in downtown Richmond, Virginia has been withdrawn from the case.
Court records obtained by the Washington Post show Judge Bradley B. Cavedo withdrew from the case.
Judge temporarily blocked Northam’s order after a lawsuit was filed for the decision. The lawsuit was filed by William C. Gregor, who claims to be a descendant of the family that sold the land on which the Lee Monument is located.
Four circuit judges have recused themselves from a separate lawsuit filed by area residents who argue that removing the statue would devalue their homes. Cavedo was considering a motion to join the two suits.
Cavedo did not say why he was withdrawing from the case, but city records show that he lives near the monument, the Post noted, which could pose a conflict of interest.
A spokesman for Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring told the Post that “they remain committed to ensuring the removal of this outdated and divisive relic as soon as possible, and we hope this does not cause any delay in resolving the matter.”
Mayor of richmond Levar Stoney (D) ordered the immediate removal of all Confederate monuments on the city’s property on Wednesday, saying it is “past time” for the statues to fall.
Officials in Richmond removed a statue of the general. Stonewall jackson on Wednesday.
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