Crews remove Christopher Columbus statue at downtown San Antonio park

A Christopher Columbus statue at the center of debate has been removed a week after it was vandalized.

Crews removed the downtown statue, which had been splashed with red paint last week, before 10 a.m. Wednesday.

According to the city’s Department of Art and Culture, the statue was removed for repairs due to the vandalism. City Council will take up the permanent removal of the statue in August.

A minimal crowd witnessed the moment the statue was taken down from the pedestal. The pedestal has since been covered on all sides.

Protest of Christopher Columbus statue at downtown park draws dozens

The statue has remained a topic of controversy for years, and discussion over its removal has been fueled by recent protests over racial injustice and historical figures tied to colonialism, slavery and the Confederacy.

In addition to removing the statue, District 1 City Councilman Roberto Treviño wants to change the name of Columbus Park.

San Antonio City Council to vote on Christopher Columbus statue removal request