Christopher Columbus Statue To Stay In South Philly: Judge

PHILADELPHIA — After several confrontations at the Christopher Columbus statue in South Philadelphia's Marconi Plaza last year, the city sought to remove the statue.

Now, a judge has ruled the city's decision to remove the contentious explorer's statue had no legal standing.

"It is baffling to this Court as to how the City of Philadelphia wants to remove the Statue without any legal basis," Judge Paula Patrick's decision reads. "The City's entire argument and case is devoid of any legal foundation."

She said the Philadelphia Historical Commission did not provide enough evidence to "demolish" the statue, which Patrick said was the same as removing it based on Philadelphia code.

The statue was the focal point for clashes in June last year, as people around the country began calling for certain statues to be removed due to actions of those depicted in the statues.

Following those events — in which men armed with bats, hammers, and a few firearms gathered at the statue to protect it from potential vandalism, with one man being charged with assault, racial intimidation, and other crimes — the city sought to remove the statue.

The city's Art Commission eventually voted eight to one to store the statue in an undisclosed location then relocate it. Later, the statue was covered by a wooden box.

According to Action News, Friends of Marconi Plaza, who challenged the city's decision, are working to get the box removed.

A spokesman for Mayor Jim Kenney told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the statue will remain in its box and that an appeal could be coming.

"While we are very disappointed with the ruling, we’re reviewing it now and exploring all potential options — including a possible appeal."