In the context of Statue of Christopher Columbus (San Francisco), explain the Vandalism and removal of the History.
In 2019, the statue was doused in red paint as an act of protest. The restoration cost about $70,000.On June 18, 2020, the San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) removed the statue following the removal of other controversial statues during the George Floyd protests. Rachelle Axel of the SFAC has said that the statue was removed as it "doesn't align with San Francisco's values or our commitment to racial justice" and in light of recent threats on social media to throw the statue off Pier 31 and into the San Francisco Bay. Further, it was put forward that Columbus is not an appropriate historic symbol to the area or to the United States of America because he never set foot on the respective soils. After its removal the statue was put in storage for preservation and possible relocation.
San Francisco Arts Commission San Francisco Bay San Francisco George Floyd protests United States United States of America