A local judge ruled this week that Philadelphia officials cannot remove a statue of Christopher Columbus, arguing the city’s decision to tear it down is not supported by law.
“It is baffling to this court as to how the City of Philadelphia wants to remove the Statue without any legal basis. The city’s entire argument and case is devoid of any legal foundation,” Common Pleas Court Judge Paula Patrick wrote in a seven-page decision, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Last year, the Philadelphia Historical Commission voted to remove the statue, a decision the city’s Board of License and Inspection Review upheld in a Sept. 29 decision.
Both agencies agreed with Mayor Jim Kenney that removing the statue was a matter of public safety following a fist-fight that broke out between Black Lives Matter protesters and a group of Philadelphia residents guarding the statue.
However, Patrick argued the city failed to provide ample time for the city’s residents to weigh in on the statue’s presence.
She cited complaints brought by Philadelphia’s Italian community, which argued the Columbus statue is an emblem of the Italian heritage.
Patrick also said the brawl that broke out in front of the statue was an “isolated incident” that does not justify the statue’s removal.
Kevin Lessard, a spokesperson for Kenney, said the city still plans on removing the statue and will appeal Patrick’s ruling.
“While we are very disappointed with the ruling, we’re reviewing it now and exploring all potential options—including a possible appeal,” Lessard said in a statement. “The statue remains in Marconi Plaza and will continue to be secured in its existing box.”
Statues of Christopher Columbus all over the country have become targets for radical, pro-cancel-culture activists. Already, Columbus statues in New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, and South Carolina have been removed. Several others have been vandalized.
