A Black police chief in Portsmouth, Va., contends she was fired Monday after criminal charges against a prominent state senator related to vandalism of a Confederate statue were dropped.
Chief Angela Greene, who insists she did nothing wrong, was ultimately asked by local leaders to resign or face termination over her investigation of a June 10 protest in which Sen. Louise Lucas and 18 others were charged with conspiracy to commit a felony and injury to a monument in excess of $1,000, NBC News reported.
“I believe I was wrongfully terminated for upholding the law and being retaliated against for sticking to my sworn oath that I swore to serve and protect my citizens, community and keeping my officers safe,” Greene, who took a leave of absence in September, said Monday during a press conference.
Greene added that she planned to sue the city over the actions of Lucas and others “who conspired and organized to destroy the monument.”
“Law enforcement should be able to protect the community and enforce the law without interference from political leaders,” Greene said.
Lucas said the dismissal of the case “gives people hope” that “when they come to these courtrooms that they will be treated in a fair and just manner,” The Virginian-Pilot reported.
