Columbus statue torn down at Minn. State Capitol

Protesters tore down a statue of Christopher Columbus on Wednesday outside the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota. According to local station KSTP, the American Indian Movement (AIM) organized the rally. The station reports that state officials were aware the rally had been planned, but they hoped the situation could be resolved peacefully.

KSTP reports that law enforcement was on the scene but did not intervene to prevent the statue from coming down. The station says the bronze statue was gifted to the state by Italian-Americans and has stood at the State Capitol since 1931.