Christopher Columbus statue torn down, thrown in lake by protesters

The statue was also set on fire before being thrown into the lake.
The statue was also set on fire before being thrown into the lake.(nbc12)
Updated: Jun. 10, 2020 at 12:06 AM EDT
Email This Link
Share on Pinterest
Share on LinkedIn

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - The Christopher Columbus statue was torn down by protesters in downtown Richmond Tuesday night.

It happened around 9 p.m. at Byrd Park, following a peaceful demonstration outside of the statue in honor of indigenous people.

The Christopher Columbus statue has been torn down and thrown in the lake by protesters in...
The Christopher Columbus statue has been torn down and thrown in the lake by protesters in downtown Richmond.(Coleman Jennings/MyVPM)

Shortly afterward, the statue was ripped from its foundation, spray painted, then set on fire.

After that, the statue ended up in the lake.

The Christopher Columbus statue has been torn down and thrown in the lake by protesters in...
The Christopher Columbus statue has been torn down and thrown in the lake by protesters in downtown Richmond.(Coleman Jennings/MyVPM)

At the height of the destruction, agitators attacked an NBC12 photographer, demanding he leave the scene. A small crowd of people waved boards in the photographer’s face, grabbed him and attacked his camera.

He was able to return to work after the incident.

Copyright 2020 WWBT. All rights reserved.

Submit a news tip.