Statement from Sen. Berger

Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) issued the following statement about the events on the State Capitol grounds on June 19:

“According to media reports, state and local police were on the Capitol grounds and were managing the crowd for some time. Then they abruptly left. It seems clear that somebody ordered law enforcement to vacate. Who was it?

“I’m aware of only one person in this state who has final authority over state law enforcement. Did Gov. Cooper order the police to abandon the Capitol grounds? If not, who is in control of this state?

“Leadership is not ceding the law to a mob. Leadership is not avoiding the politically challenging questions, hoping to hang on until Election Day.”