Describe the characteristics of the Toppling and restoration in this artwork's History.
The statue was toppled in 2022. This occurred a day before the visit of the Spanish king, Felipe VI, to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the foundation of San Juan.It was reported that the Boriken Libertarian Forces claimed responsibility for the damage to the statue. The group said in a statement that "Faced with the visit of the King of Spain, Felipe VI, to Puerto Rico and the escalation of 'gringo' invaders taking over our lands, we want to send a clear message: neither kings nor 'gringo' invaders".The statue was repaired and reinstalled less than 24 hours after its toppling. Miguel Romero, the mayor of San Juan, defended the reinstallation of the statue. "Freedom of expression is protected, but what cannot be protected is vandalism. I believe vandalism is the most cowardly form of expression," he said.
King of Spain Felipe VI gringo Miguel Romero Puerto Rico San Juan