Christopher Columbus statue toppled and thrown into water in Baltimore
Footage shows people cheering as monument comes down
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The statue of Christopher Columbus in Baltimore‘s Inner Harbour has been pulled from its pedestal and thrown into the water, according to video posted on social media.
One video shows the statue being pulled down after a loop has been draped around its chest.
Another shows it being rolled off an embankment and into the water, where it causes a big splash.
City police confirmed the Twitter reports. ”The Baltimore Police Department is aware of the incident,” a spokesman said.
The marble statue has rested on a six-sided marble base that includes a description that reads: “Christopher Columbus Discoverer of America October 12 1492”
Statues of Columbus have recently become targets of some demonstrators who have protested what they say is racism among some historical figures who have been honoured with statues and monuments.
The Columbus statue indicates that it was dedicated 12 October 1984 by then-Baltimore mayor William Donald Schaefer.
The incident occurred as the US president denounced those who he said were trying to destroy the foundations of American history.
He spoke critically of recent incidents of vandalism in speeches on Friday night at Mount Rushmore and Saturday night at the White House.
In one of the addresses, he said specifically that America’s history began with Columbus.
The Washington Post
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments