Judge rules Christopher Columbus statue can remain in South Philadelphia

Judge rules Christopher Columbus statue in Marconi Plaza can stay

A Philadelphia judge on Tuesday ruled that a hotly debated statue of Christopher Columbus in Marconi Plaza can remain in place. The statue has been enclosed in a wooden box for months as the city pushed to remove it due to Columbus's treatment of native groups.

PHILADELPHIA - A judge ruled Tuesday that the controversial Christopher Columbus statue in Marconi Plaza in South Philadelphia can stay.

In a seven-page opinion, the judge said the city had no legal basis to remove the statue. The lawsuit was brought on by Friends of Marconi Plaza.

"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," Judge Paula Patrick wrote.

In June 2020, the statue became the point of contention between groups who wanted to defend it from vandalism amid ongoing social unrest, and other groups who saw the statue as a symbol of hate. The confrontations between the opposing sides resulted in violence and arrests.

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Judge rules Christopher Columbus statue can remain in South Philadelphia

In a seven-page opinion, the judge said the city had no legal basis to remove the Christopher Columbus statue.

The Philadelphia Art Commission eventually voted to place the Columbus Statue in storage pending relocation.

"While we are very disappointed with the ruling, we're reviewing it now and exploring all potential options—including a possible appeal. The statue remains in Marconi Plaza and will continue to be secured in its existing box," a spokesperson for the mayor's office said in a statement to FOX 29.