RALEIGH, N.C. --  A conscious decision by law enforcement in North Carolina's capital city over the weekend resulted in the protesters tearing down a long-standing Confederate monument on state property.  But some are questioning why there was no effort to stop the destruction.

“Allowing folks to come in and just lawlessly destroy property, to attack people, to do a lot of these things that have happened is just unconscionable,” says Rep. Tim Moore, Republican Speaker of the House.

In a detailed account of the evening, the N.C. Department of Public Safety says several officers received injuries when initially trying to stop the crowd from removing the statue. When the crowd regathered, it was decided it was safer to not re-engage.

The North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police says that balance of what will keep folks the safest is key during situations like this one.

“Do we have the assets to properly respond, and how quickly we can get them to the location,” asks Tayloretown Police Chief Damon Williams, who also sits on the NCACP board. “Ultimately, we are assessing is the safety of the public- also will our presence escalate rather than deescalate the situation?”

One law enforcement expert says he agrees, and while situations are all different, he believes this was handled properly.

“Looking at reality, is it worth it for a piece of bronze and some rock, or is better to protect people's lives and try to preserve peace,” says Roy Taylor, a 40-year veteran law enforcement officer.

But Speaker Moore disagrees, and says he believes this decision to stand down sends the wrong message to the state.

“The whole point in having laws is so that you don't have folks going out and engaging in violence,” he says.

Two warrants have been served for the incidents this weekend; one for trespassing and one for assault on an officer who fractured his wrist.