(Christopher Columbus statue-Pueblo-Photo credit: KOAA News5)
By Nia Bender
Pueblo – Vandals attacked the Christopher Columbus statue at Colorado and Abriendo in Pueblo in the overnight hours between Saturday night and Sunday morning. Crews spent time trying to wash down as much of the red paint and what appeared to be tomatoes thrown at the historical statue and around the base. Police even recovered a cup that may have contained some of the paint thrown at the figure.
Pueblo Mayor Nick Gradisar released the following statement:
“In Pueblo, we work through our solutions peacefully so it is unfortunate the Columbus statue was vandalized last night. I remain committed to do the hard work of allowing both sides, to work through mediation, to reach an agreement. In terms of the statue itself, it appears there was no permanent damage to the statue.”
Back in late March, Governor Jared Polis signed a bill to change Columbus Day holiday to Mother Francis Xavier Cabrini Day. Pueblo’s Italian community is hosting a celebration on Monday to honor Christopher Columbus and the Columbus statue in Pueblo. Protesters have called for its removal while Italian community members want it to stay.
