Dangerous Job? Contractor Facing Threats Over Caddo Monument

The plan to move the Confederate Monument from in front of the Caddo Parish Courthouse is moving forward. Work is expected to begin sometime this month. But we don't have a timeline from the parish. Parish Administrator Dr. Woody Wilson says there is concern about security.

"I am concerned somewhat because the contractor is receiving threats and other local officials are as well."

Dr. Wilson adds:

We don't want to be alarmist but we want to be very cautious because the last time, as you recall, concerning the monument, we had people showing up with M-16's and AK-47's on opposite sides of the street and we don't want that to play out again.

 

Dr. Wilson says Texas Street will have to be closed off a few times and the area will be completely fenced off once the contractor begins work to move the monument.

The move is expected to begin sometime in the next few weeks, but no timetable has been given by the Parish.

They have notified the Caddo Sheriff's Office and Shreveport Police to be ready to help with security once the move starts. The Sheriff is in charge of security on the Courthouse property, while SPD is in charge of security from the sidewalk and beyond.

Parish Commissioner Roy Burrell says in light of what has been going on in our country, he wants to make sure there is proper security. He is urging residents to stay away from the Courthouse while the move is happening.

The Parish is spending nearly $800,000 to move the monument to a private historical site in DeSoto Parish.