A Black Lives Matter plaza will be removed from Washington, D.C., along with a massive mural, according to a spokesperson for Mayor Muriel Bowser (D).
The mural to the BLM movement was painted on 16th Street NW for two blocks and lies just north of the White House. It was unveiled by Bowser in June 2020 and made a permanent feature in October 2021.
Bowser referred to a threat from Republicans in Congress to cut D.C.'s federal funding unless she got rid of the BLM mural and plaza.
“The mural inspired millions of people and helped our city through a very painful period, but now we can’t afford to be distracted by meaningless congressional interference," she said in a statement. "The devastating impacts of the federal job cuts must be our number one concern. Our focus is on economic growth, public safety, and supporting our residents affected by these cuts.”