Virginia's Robert E. Lee Statue , Has Been Removed .<br />The state removed the statue of the Confederate general on Sept. 8.<br />The 12-ton statue, which sat on its pedestal for over 130 years, was lifted in one piece by a crane. It will be put in storage.<br />A crowd was present and could be heard cheering and chanting as the statue was lifted into the air.<br />Gov. Ralph Northam announced plans to remove the statue in June of 2020 amid racial justice protests following the murder of George Floyd.<br />Gov. Ralph Northam announced plans to remove the statue in June of 2020 amid racial justice protests following the murder of George Floyd.<br />But the plan was postponed by lawsuits from groups that wanted to keep the statue intact.<br />The Virginia Supreme Court decided to move forward with the removal last week.<br />According to officials, the pedestal, which is covered in graffiti, will remain in place while the future of Monument Avenue is determined.<br />According to officials, the pedestal, which is covered in graffiti, will remain in place while the future of Monument Avenue is determined
