Columbus Statue In South Philly To Be Stored, Relocated: Reports

PHILADELPHIA — After Philadelphia officials requested the city's Art Commission consider removing the Christopher Columbus statue in Marconi Plaza, the commission decided Wednesday to put the monument in storage.

NBC10 reports the commission voted eight to one Wednesday to store the statue in an undisclosed location.

The vote comes after the statue became a focal point for protesters and counterprotesters.

A large group of men armed with bats, hammers, and a few firearms gathered at the statue on June 13 to ostensibly defend it from vandalism.

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

Kenney on June 16 asked Public Art Director Margot Berg to initiate a process examining the statue's future through the Philadelphia Art Commission. A box was put up around the statue that same day.

Then on June 23, two opposing groups clashed at the statue which led to a Philadelphia man being charged with assault and ethnic intimidation.

The following day, the city announced its intentions to have the statue removed.

Wednesday's decision means the city will be responsible for removing and storing the statue, and the art commission will eventually decide where it will be relocated in the future, according to Fox 29.