New London mayor to move Columbus statue during public debate on its future
New London — Fearing the city's statue of Christopher Columbus will be further damaged or destroyed, Mayor Michael Passero on Wednesday said he plans to move it to a “safe location” until a public debate on its future has played out.
The statue, at Bank and Blinman streets, has been defaced with red paint on three separate occasions since a protest Saturday that was inspired by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd’s death at the hands of a white police officer has sparked a nationwide movement against police brutality and racial injustice. Statues viewed by some as symbols of white supremacy have become a target.
Columbus’ exploits, which some historians say included the killing and enslavement of indigenous people when he reached the Americas, have gained renewed attention, much like controversial Confederate memorials.
Statues of Columbus were torn down this week in St. Paul, Minn., and Richmond, Va. Another in Boston was decapitated. Others have been vandalized.
While opinions may differ on whether New London’s statue should be permanently removed, Passero said he is taking a practical approach and, for the time being, keeping Columbus out of harm’s way. He said even if it isn’t severely damaged, the constant cleaning by public works crews will lead to degradation of the stone.
“I just really think the statue is in imminent danger of further damage and perhaps destruction,” Passero said. “I am looking for ways to take it down and put it in a safe location while the City Council decides its future. Otherwise there won’t be a statue to worry about. I have no choice in the matter.”
The statue was a gift from the Italian community to the city in 1928 and a source of pride for Italian-American families at a time when Passero said Columbus’ deeds were not fully understood.
Passero said that his personal opinion is that the statue should be preserved as a historical artifact, but he would follow the lead of community and handle it as directed by the City Council.
“At the moment, I don’t have any choice in the matter. I don’t think the statue is going to survive,” he said.
Passero said a timeline for the statue's move is unclear but one company was expected to take a look and provide a cost estimate on Thursday.
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