The US President Donald Trump said those who destroy monuments face up to 10 years in prison.

"I have authorized the Federal Government to arrest anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument, statue or other such Federal property in the U.S. with up to 10 years in prison, per the Veteran’s Memorial Preservation Act, or such other laws that may be pertinent. This action is taken effective immediately, but may also be used retroactively for destruction or vandalism already caused. There will be no exceptions!" Trump tweeted.

The US is struggling with saving monuments amid the protests. Statues and monuments have been targeted by protesters as symbols of racism and slavery.

Mass protests and riots have been held in many US states after the death of African-American George Floyd. Three police officers handcuffed Floyd, threw him to the ground and apprehended him, and one of them pressed his knee on the man's neck. All four police officers involved in the detention have been fired and charged.