Christopher Columbus Statues Removed From Two Chicago Parks

Authorities removed statues of Christopher Columbus from two parks in Chicago, Illinois, in the early hours of July 24, as ordered by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, according to news reports.

The two statues were taken down in the city’s Grant and Arrigo parks following protests and clashes at the Columbus Statue in Grant Park on July 17.

This footage, recorded by María Guerrero, shows the Grant Park statue lifted off its pedestal by crane. The footage was recorded at around 3 am, she said.

Mayor Lightfoot issued a statement to say the statues were “temporarily removed,” as reported by the Chicago Tribune.

“This step is about an effort to protect public safety and to preserve a safe space for an inclusive and democratic public dialogue about our city’s symbols,” the statement read. Credit: María Guerrero via Storyful