WATCH: Columbus Statue Removed From Wooster Square

NEW HAVEN, CT — Early Wednesday morning, protesters gathered at the Christopher Columbus statute in Wooster Square, demanding it remain after New Haven officials voted to remove it.

Soon after, counterprotesters arrived and there was an altercation between the two sides.

New Haven police Chief Otoniel Reyes told Patch the morning's episode was the reason dozens of uniformed and plainclothes police officers and detectives were positioned throughout Wooster Square.

"We were able to diffuse it pretty quick," Reyes said of the altercation. "We want to be here to make sure everyone's safe. Safe and healthy. That's why we're here."

After more than two hours of watching Public Works employees rope and secure the statute to remove it, Reyes said there was a problem. Workers were having difficulty getting it off the granite base. He told Patch metal rods affixed to it would take hours to get it off.

Minutes later, protest organizers announced that police told them the statue could not be removed. People began chanting and shouting.

Then, just five minutes later, the statue was free of the base and swung gently until it was ultimately hoisted off the base and placed on the bed of a large city truck.

Cheers from the majority rose up, including from some who identified as Italian American.

But Patch spoke to one man, who refused to be identified or photographed, and said, "What I just witnessed is a (expletive) disgrace."

Columbus Day Committee of Greater New Haven board Chair Laura Florio Luzzi sent Patch the following statement:

“Today's events are extremely unfortunate. Statements were made by individuals that should not have been and that have no place in public discourse. It is time for our community to unite in embracing this moment of social change. We welcome a dialogue with the City of New Haven and members of the Wooster Square community to discuss the future of the Columbus monument and what may come in its place to honor Italian-American heritage and our contribution to history.

"The Greater New Haven Italian community is proud of its heritage. Many of our ancestors were hard-working immigrants who suffered from discrimination in a new world. Like all other immigrants to our country, Italian-Americans made significant contributions to the history of our nation, from building roads and bridges to invention and innovation.

"Our organization has supported the Greater New Haven region for decades – working to celebrate Italian-American culture and conducting outreach to all communities in New Haven and beyond. We welcome this opportunity to evolve and identify new ways to honor our community in collaboration with others. We look forward to hearing from and meeting with all members of the Wooster Square community and our public officials to help determine a path ahead."

According to the city, the statue "will remain in custody with the City, ahead of planning for it to reside at the Knights of Columbus Museum."

"The statue holds deep ties to the Italian-American community, as it was first erected in 1892, and later recast in bronze in 1955," city officials said in a news release.

Shortly after the statue was taken down, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker released the following statement:

"The decision to remove the statue of Columbus today was one that was spearheaded by a group of leaders in the Italian community. While this decision for those leaders was not easy, they courageously did the right thing. I support this decision. I want to take a moment to thank those leaders for their support in recognizing the history of colonialism and its negative effects on many cultures, and their help to identify a place where the statue can reside.

"I know that there are some people who strongly disagree with the decision to remove the statute. People have the right to protest and express their opinions peacefully. We will work collaboratively to ensure we honor New Haven’s Italian Heritage and immigrant history. I look forward to the many community conversations surrounding what we would like to see replace the statue of Christopher Columbus, and how we can highlight other cultural icons for the many Italian-Americans that have made New Haven their home.

"It is disappointing that some at the protest incited fighting. New Haven has a long history of lively dialogue, but violence has no place in our city. We face a very challenging moment in history. We must work as a community to listen, understand, and have respectful dialogue with each other. This moment, while challenging, is also an opportunity to bring people together."