PODCAST: Providence City Councilor Kerwin says she supports the vandalism of Columbus statue

A statue of Christopher Columbus in the Elmwood section of Providence was found vandalized on Columbus Day morning, October 14, 2019. It was splashed with red paint and a sign saying “Stop Celebrating Genocide” was chained to the base. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

 

Providence City Councilor Katherine Kerwin (D-Ward 12, Smith Hill) told WPRO’s Gene Valicenti on Wednesday that she supports the vandalism of the Christopher Columbus statue in Providence, which was doused with red paint and a sign that says “stop celebrating genocide” Sunday night or early Monday morning.

When asked by Valicenti if she supported the vandalism of the statue, Kerwin said, “You know, I do. I think the statue should be removed…I think that healthy civil disobedience is really good for society.”

“I don’t know who did it, but they created a really healthy dialogue in Providence.”

Councilor Kerwin serves on the committee on city property and the committee on public works.

The paint was cleaned off the statue by Monday afternoon.

LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVERSATION BELOW:

Listen to “Providence City Councilor Katherine Kerwin” on Spreaker.