Intense Scene Erupts at Columbus Statue in Sloop (Columbus and Roosevelt)

In case you missed it on Friday, a pretty intense scene erupted as a protest crew unruly (via WGN):

A large protest erupted at the Christopher Columbus statue in Grant Park on Friday night.

Officers were hit by fireworks and other items as they guarded the statue. Chicago police said 18 officers were injured and 12 protesters have been taken into custody.

The protest started near Buckingham Fountain and marched south.

Officers left the statue as protesters attempted to bring it down. They returned to the statue after reports pepper spray was deployed. Chicago police brought in SWAT officers after the group tried to pull the statue down.

Protesters launch fireworks and other items at Chicago police officers guarding Columbus statue in Grant Park pic.twitter.com/WCga8c47Ty

— WGN TV News (@WGNNews) July 18, 2020