News and Commentary

Lori Lightfoot Reverses, Removes Christopher Columbus Statues From Chicago Parks

Jon Brown
Lori Lightfoot Reverses, Removes Christopher Columbus Statues From Chicago Parks
Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/TNS/Getty Images

Chicago removed two statues of Christopher Columbus during the early morning hours on Friday, in what Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot characterized as an attempt to reduce violence.

Lightfoot, who originally opposed any removal of Columbus, relented “in part to avoid another high-profile confrontation between police and protesters like the one that happened last week,” according to The Chicago Tribune. Crews removed Columbus statues from Grant Park at around 3 a.m. local time, and from Arrigo Park around 5:30 a.m.

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