(Richmond)- Changes are being made to public gatherings at Richmond’s Robert E. Lee monument. Local and state police are now blocking off access to the monument from sunrise to sunset in a move to increase safety for those wishing to express their First Amendment rights peacefully. No objects are allowed to be placed on the statue, while climbing on the steps is prohibited. A joint press release from area law enforcement says increased traffic, vandalism, littering and excessive noise have been posing safety risks.