AP

In the wake of last month’s Charleston church shootings, the Panthers and quarterback Cam Newton were extremely active.

So with the removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina state house grounds Friday, it’s no surprise that Newton viewed it as a cause for celebration.

According to Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer, Newton called the act a “triumph,” and said it was a victory for all races, not just African-Americans.

“There shouldn’t be a discrepancy of this particular culture, this particular kind, this particular race between anybody else,” Newton said. “It’s very enlightening, it’s very impactful, to see that flag come down that was remembrance of something that’s not what this country is all about. This country is about the land of the free and anybody can become whatever they want. And with having a symbol that represented so much hatred, it’s just a triumph for it to come down.”

The flag became a hot political topic in the wake of the shootings at the Emanuel AME Church, and the Panthers were quick to ask for its removal. Coupled with Newton visiting the families of some of the victims, and owner Jerry Richardson making a $100,000 donation to help cover funeral expenses, and it’s clearly a significant issue for them, happening so close to their back yard.