New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is opposed to removing a statue of explorer Christopher Columbus in New York City, which sits in the Columbus Circle neighborhood of Manhattan.
When asked on Thursday about possibly removing the statue among growing calls to nix controversial symbols reflecting historical oppression, Cuomo cited Columbus’s ties to Italian Americans.
“I understand the dialogue that’s been going on for a number of years,” Cuomo said at his daily coronavirus press briefing. “The Christopher Columbus statue represents, in some ways, the Italian American legacy in this country and the Italian American contribution in this country.”
#BREAKING: Gov. Andrew Cuomo says it’s not time for Christopher Columbus statue to go: “The Christopher Columbus statue in some way represents the Italian American legacy in this country.” pic.twitter.com/lUa9Fuwif3
— The Hill (@thehill) June 11, 2020
Cuomo went on to say “nobody” would support some of the acts he had done and understands the feelings of those opposed to him.
Statues of Columbus have been targeted across the country in the wake of the social unrest sparked by George Floyd’s death in police custody last month. Calls to dismantle all symbols of oppression and end racial injustice and police brutality have since shaped the national conversation.
In Richmond, Virginia, a statue of Columbus was torn down, defaced, and thrown in a lake. Similar statues of Columbus were also toppled in Minneapolis and Boston.
