Chicago removes Christopher Columbus statues from parks after protests
City officials temporarily took down two statues of Christopher Columbus early Friday morning, a week after protesters and police clashed at one of the monuments in a violent encounter that left dozens injured.
One statue was removed from the city's Grant Park around 3 a.m., and the other was removed from Arrigo Park in the Little Italy neighborhood around 5:30 a.m.
The statues were temporarily removed "until further notice," the office of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a statement.
The statues were taken down in an effort to protect public safety and keep public safety resources "concentrated where they are most needed throughout the city, and particularly in our South and West Side communities," the office said.
Last Friday, hundreds of protesters attempting to topple the statue in Grant Park faced off with dozens of Chicago police. Twelve people were arrested after some protesters began throwing objects at officers, who hit protesters with their batons.
At least 49 officers were injured, police said, along with many protesters. At least one protester – 18-year-old Miracle Boyd – had her teeth knocked out when an officer punched her, according to video of the assault shared by GoodKids MadCity, an anti-gun violence group.
The statues were temporarily removed "until further notice," the office of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a statement.
The statues were taken down in an effort to protect public safety and keep public safety resources "concentrated where they are most needed throughout the city, and particularly in our South and West Side communities," the office said.
Last Friday, hundreds of protesters attempting to topple the statue in Grant Park faced off with dozens of Chicago police. Twelve people were arrested after some protesters began throwing objects at officers, who hit protesters with their batons.
At least 49 officers were injured, police said, along with many protesters. At least one protester – 18-year-old Miracle Boyd – had her teeth knocked out when an officer punched her, according to video of the assault shared by GoodKids MadCity, an anti-gun violence group.
