Protesters paint 'Defund The Police' on downtown Asheville street; 2 arrested

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Clean-up is underway in downtown Asheville after a group of Black Lives Matter protesters created a street mural in front of the Asheville Police Department Sunday that read "DEFUND THE POLICE".

As soon as the mural went up, another group tried to change the message with one of their own that said "FUND THE POLICE".

As of early afternoon Monday, Spruce Street is closed as city crews use power washers and work to clear away the mural.

News 13 reached out to the City of Asheville for comment. They tell us,

A group of protesters painted Defund the Police on Spruce Street. We are aware of the situation and Public Works staff began removing it this morning because it was done without a permit.

TWO OPPOSING PROTESTS TAKE PLACE IN FRONT OF VANCE MONUMENT IN ASHEVILLE

The unrest all began on Saturday when members of both groups held demonstrations during the day.

The Asheville Police Department says on Sunday, June 21, 2020, at approximately 1:30 p.m. a group of over 100 individuals exercising their first amendment rights to free speech gathered on Spruce Street between Court Plaza and College Street. Officers present witnessed members of the group attempting to place barriers in the roadway to block the flow of traffic. Officers quickly removed the barriers without any incident. A short time later members of the group began painting large lettering in the middle of the roadway.

At approximately 9:00 p.m. a counter group came to Spruce Street and attempted to repurpose the lettering in the street. Several members of the group stayed through the night. At approximately 8:30 a.m. the Asheville Police Department arrested two individuals for failure to disperse on command, after several warnings to leave the area were given.

Dorothy Ann Allen, 19, of Asheville, was charged with failure to disperse on command. Aimee Bennett Allen, 22, of Asheville, was also charged with failure to disperse on command.

This is a developing story. Check back at wlos.com for the latest updates.

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