Christopher Columbus statues vandalized at Garfield parks

GARFIELD — Two Christopher Columbus statues in Garfield were vandalized at various parks Sunday, authorities said.

Red paint was smeared on a Christopher Columbus statue and sign at Columbus Park on Outwater Lane, Garfield Police Sgt. Thomas LaMantia said. Red paint was also found on the Christopher Columbus statue nearby at Dahnert’s Lake County Park.

The vandalism was reported after 1 p.m. Sunday, but police believe the incident happened during the overnight hours, LaMantia said.

Mayor Richard Rigoglioso said he doesn't believe a resident committed the crime.

"I’ve been the mayor for a year and it never dawned on us that this controversy would happen here. We just had a dedication in October," he said. "Eventually, they’ll get caught. If you want to protest, come to a city council meeting."

Rigoglioso said he hopes to remove the red paint off the statues this week.

The statue at Columbus Park was re-dedicated in October for the monument's 50th anniversary. The statue was dedicated by UNICO, an Italian-American service organization in 1967. Since then, complaints have been received about Columbus statues, most notably in New York City. Mayor Bill de Blasio later said the statue would remain.

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Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Garfield Police at 973-478-8500.

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