A famed and prized statue of Christopher Columbus that has stood in an area park since 1892, has been removed following protests. The statue, located in Wooster Square Park in New Haven, was removed on Wednesday, June 24, just one week after the city's Parks Commission voted for its removal.

The statue, which has been the subject of protests and even a lawsuit filed by the Italian American Heritage Group, was removed around 11 a.m. Prior to the statue’s removal, protesters for and against the statute removal demonstrated, and some altercations broke out, said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker.