Chapel Hill Police Chief Chris Blue instructed Chapel Hill officers to stand down as protesters toppled the Confederate monument Silent Sam, his texts and emails show, according to review of the documents obtained by WRAL News.
WRAL news obtained 400 pages of emails and texts sent to and from the Police Chief on Aug. 20-21, the article says. These were sent before, during and after the demonstration.
At 9 p.m., Blue texted, "Let's give them lots of space," and then, "Yes but do not engage w Crowd at statue. Stay way out."
One text came moments before the monument's forced removal.
"Wral shows CPD guys too close. Back up," Blue said in the text message.
