Christopher Columbus statue in Schenley Park vandalized

The Christopher Columbus statue outside Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Oakland was vandalized as statues of the explorer and colonizer have been defaced across the country.

“Murder” and “OG Pig” were a few of the phrases written in paint across the statue, while red handprints covered its base.

Tim McNulty, director of communications for the City of Pittsburgh, said the statue was damaged overnight Friday, although it is unknown exactly when or by whom. An investigation is underway.

Mr. McNulty said the public arts office is working in conjunction with a graffiti team to examine the statue before cleaning it to ensure it will not be further damaged. According to Mr. McNulty, this process is typical for vandalized statues.

The statue has been vandalized before in 2010 and 2017 on Columbus Day.

A petition on Change.org created Thursday calls for the Pittsburgh Parks and Recreation Department to remove the statue from Schenley Park. It had over 1,000 signatures as of Friday afternoon.

Darrell Sapp/Post-Gazette The statue of Christopher Columbus outside Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens was vandalized with paint overnight Friday in Oakland.