Armed Men Gather At Christopher Columbus Statue In South Philly

PHILADELPHIA — For the second time in two weeks, armed men gathered in an effort to protect part of Philadelphia.

According to witnesses, reports, and officials, a large group pf men armed with bats, hammers, and a few firearms gathered at the Christopher Columbus statue in South Philadelphia's Marconi Plaza Saturday to ostensibly defend it from vandalism.

Action News reports residents were there to prevent anything from happening to the statue, as Christopher Columbus comes under scrutiny amid racial activism across the country. Several statues of Columbus have been taken down by local officials in Camden and Wilmington.

Eventually, residents and other argued and an apparent assault occurred, according to Mayor Jim Kenney,

"We are also aware of an apparent assault caught on video tape," Kenney said on Twitter.

He also said there were "possible restrictions placed on journalists filming the event."

These incidents are under investigation at this time.

One person at the statue appeared to yell "seig heil" at opposing groups.

"All vigilantism is inappropriate, and these individuals only bring more danger to themselves and the city," Kenney said.

District Attorney Larry Krasner said on Twitter that "using a bat—or anything else—for an illegal purpose (such as assaulting or threatening or harassing people) is a criminal act."

"Prosecutors and police will uphold the law in Philly, consistent with their oaths, against criminal bullies," he said. "So save your bats for a ball game. And save your hatchets for chopping wood. We remain the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection."

This all unfolded about a week after a group of armed men were in the Fishtown neighborhood, saying they were out to defend the 26 Police District building on Girard Avenue and businesses in the neighborhood as looting was regularly occurring after protests over George Floyd's death.