Christopher Columbus Statue In Delco Covered With Tarp: Report

CHESTER, PA — As many people call for the removal of statues that depict people such as Confederate leaders and other controversial historical figures, statues of Christopher Columbus are being targeted by racial justice advocates.

This has led to a Christopher Columbus statue in Delaware County to be covered by a tarp.

According to the Delaware County Daily Times, a statue of the Italian explorer in Chester has been covered up.

City officials have no provided information on why the statue is covered up.

The statue in Chester was installed in 1955. It was later rededicated in 1995 by October XII Lodge No. 486 of Order Sons of Italy in America (the original donor) and the Christopher Columbus Philatelic Society.

In Philadelphia, a large group of people — some armed with bats, hammers, and firearms — gathered at the Christopher Columbus statue in South Philadelphia's Marconi Plaza over the weekend in order to "protect" it from potential vandals.

Mayor Jim Kenney said he is asking the city's Public Art Department to examine the statue's future.

In Camden, New Jersey and Wilmington, Delaware, city officials recently took down statues of the explorer.