Philly Files Appeal In Christopher Columbus Statue Decision

PHILADELPHIA — Contention over the Christopher Columbus statue in South Philadelphia's Marconi Plaza is continuing, as the city is now appealing a judge's ruling that allowed the statue to remain in place.

According to Action News, the city followed through on appealing the decision handed down by Judge Paula Patrick this week as it filed an appeal Thursday.

Patrick ruled 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, which is still in place.