Legal battle brewing over Christopher Columbus statue in Schenley Park

PITTSBURGH — The future of the Christopher Columbus statue overlooking Schenley Park appears all but sealed. However, there could be a court battle before anything can become official.

On the day honoring the man credited with discovering America, the Columbus statue was covered up with tarp, hidden from sight for the first time in decades.

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“It was wrapped in order not only to prepare it for transportation but also to protect it from any potential vandalism," said Mayor Bill Peduto.

Peduto recommended to remove the statue and place it in a private setting in the Italian community, saying they have to respect the views of others and provide proper context.

The plan was met with protesters from the Italian Sons and Daughters of America, who say the statue is an important part of Italian-American history.

And that group made it clear to the mayor that if the city follows through and removes the statue, ISDA would take legal action. It has already filed an injunction against the city of Pittsburgh to prevent the statue’s removal.

“I feel it’s more of a tribute to our ancestors of the Italian-American community in Pittsburgh and around the world," said Patricia Mocello, vice president of the Pittsburgh ISDA.

The city’s Art Commission is expected to give final approval in a matter of weeks, and the ISDA did not respond to Channel 11′s request for comment.

While committed to moving the statue, Peduto doesn’t envision another figure taking Columbus' place in Schenley Park -- saying anything that would replace it would just be subject to more controversy.

Opposition groups argue that Columbus stood for hate, racism and genocide -- and that his legacy should not be celebrated as heroic.

“He came not even to mainland America, down into the islands. And people in the Caribbean were enslaved and murdered tortured and raped... everything horrible you can imagine. That’s the legacy of Columbus. Why celebrate that?” said Johnny Creedcoe.

Mayor Peduto recommends removing statue of Christopher Columbus from Schenley Park

Cox Media Group