Christopher Columbus Statues In Grant And Arrigo Park Removed

CHICAGO - Mayor Lori Lightfoot has removed two statues in Grant Park and Arrigo Park that honored Christopher Columbus. The removals took place just after 2:30 in the morning Friday but are temporary, according to a statement from the mayor's office.

The Grant Park statue was the site of a violent clash between police and protestors Friday that resulted in at least 20 police misconduct complaints and 49 injured cops.

"This step is about an effort to protect public safety and to preserve a safe space for an inclusive and democratic public dialogue about our city's symbols," Lightfoot said in a statement. "In addition, our public safety resources must be concentrated where they are most needed throughout the city, and particularly in our South and West Side communities."

On Thursday night, hundreds of protesters celebrated near Lightfoot's Logan Square home when 19-year-old Jalen Kobayashi relayed news of the report to the crowd over a megaphone, according to published reports. The young activist later described the celebration by saying he'd "never been happier" in his life.

One of the organizations that sponsored the event on the 17th, Chi-Nations Youth Council, called the statue removal "a win toward the goal of decolonization."

"We don’t want to see this become a virtue signal," the group said in a statement. "We want meaningful ways to address the harm caused by this structure that does not value the lives of Indigenous. Black, and Brown peoples."

On Twitter some Chicago aldermen celebrated with them.

Ald. Carlos Ramirez Gomez, one of the mayor's chief critics, took aim at Lightfoot again in a tweet.

"One month ago, Lightfoot opposed removing this white supremacist monuments. But thousands marched and forced a reversal. Thank you to the Indigenous and Black youth who have been leading this fight. You did this. It's a shame Chicago made you face violence to make this happen," the 35th Ward aldermen wrote.

Not every alderman was excited to see the announcement of the changes, with 15th Ward Alderman Raymond Lopez taking to social media to criticize the changes.

"What has become of Chicago? We have a mayor forced into submission by anarchy & mob-rule?" Ald. Lopez tweeted. "No more public process, official discourse, or on-the-record debate. The lesson learned is that if you want action from Lightfoot, show up en mass at her house & she will cave every time."

Protests will continue this evening as a new call to action has been scheduled for this afternoon in the Homan Square neighborhood.