Williams Calls For Investigation After Memphis Removes Confederate Statues

Republican state lawmakers have called for an investigation after Memphis sold two public parks in order to remove controversial Confederate statues.

Cookeville State Representative and Republican Caucus Chairman Ryan Williams said he and House Majority Leader Glen Casada would begin working with the House Speaker and Attorney general to investigate the matter.

On Wednesday the Memphis City Council approved the sale of two public parks to a non-profit that immediately began taking the statues down.

Lawmakers say the sale circumvents a state law that required the city to get approval from the Tennessee Historical Commission in order to seek the statue’s removal. Williams said the council’s action violates the spirit and intent of state law.