Blogs

New Haven| The New Haven Police Department Special Victims Unit (SVU) is investigating the drug overdose of a New Haven child.  The investigation began Saturday, August 8,2020, at approximately 12:40 p.m. when New Haven Police and Fire responded to a 911 call of an unresponsive child at a Norton Street residence.

Arriving officers learned the 17 month old girl had likely ingested adult medication.  An ambulance transported the victim to Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital where she remains in extremely critical condition in the pediatric intensive care unit..

SVU detectives responded to the hospital and Norton Street.  Officers notified the state Department of Children and Families (DCF). A DCF investigator and NHPD Bureau of Identification forensic detectives also responded to the Norton Street home.

The investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with additional information is asked to contact detectives at 203-946-6304

New Haven Police Provide Update On Recent Gun Arrest Charges   

New Haven| The New Haven Police Department and partner agencies recently arrested nine individuals on weapons related charges.  The circumstances leading to the arrests are included in yesterday’s attached press release.

25 year old Carlos Lopez of New Haven is charged with the following:

• Assault second degree.
• Carrying a pistol without a permit.
• Weapon in a motor vehicle.
• Threatening second degree.
• Breach of peace second degree.

18 year old Antonio Allen of New Haven is charged with the following:

• Carrying a pistol without a permit.
• Altering a serial number on a firearm.
• Weapon in a motor vehicle.
• Possession of a controlled substance.

26 year old Jaquan Gray of New Haven is charged with the following:

• Carrying a pistol without a permit.
• Theft of a firearm.
• Criminal possession of a firearm.
• Interfering with an officer.
• Two failure to appear arrest warrants.

26 year old Denzel Suggs of New Haven is charged with the following:

• Carrying a pistol without a permit.
• Criminal possession of a firearm.
• Interfering with an officer.

27 year old Angel Viera of New Britain, Connecticut is charged with the following:

• Criminal possession of a firearm.
• Altering a serial number on a firearm.
• Weapon in a motor vehicle.
• Loaded shotgun in a motor vehicle.
• An infraction offense.

27 year old Joshwua Figueroa of New Haven is charged with the following:

• Criminal possession of a firearm.
• Altering a serial number on a firearm.
• Weapon in a motor vehicle.
• Loaded shotgun in a motor vehicle.
• An infraction offense.

28 year old Brandon Mendoza of New Haven is charged with the following:

• Carrying a pistol without a permit.
• Weapon in a motor vehicle.
• An infraction offense.

23 year old Paul Witherspoon of Hamden, Connecticut is charged with the following:

• Weapon in a motor vehicle.
• Possession of a sawed off shotgun.
• Loaded shotgun in a motor vehicle.
• Risk of injury to a child.
• Possession of a controlled substance.
• A motor vehicle violation.

18 year old Marquay Foster of New Haven is charged with the following:

• Carrying a pistol without.
• Criminal possession of a firearm.
• Theft of a firearm.
• Criminal possession of a high capacity ammunition magazine (two counts)

New Haven| Over the past week and a half, New Haven Police Investigative Services
Division detectives, Task Force officers, and Patrol Division officers seized eight guns and made
nine arrests in areas where recent violence has occurred. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also
federally adopted new gun cases which led to federal arrests this week by the Alcohol, Tobacco
and Firearms (ATF) and FBI.
07/26/2020.
Patrol officers responded to a Clinton Avenue home for a report of a domestic dispute where a
weapon was used. The victim told police she had an argument with her 25 year old husband Carlos
Lopez and he stuck a gun in her mouth. He then fled the area in a silver Toyota Corolla. Officers
developed information that Lopez may be headed to Grand Avenue. Officers went to Grand Avenue
and located the car and Lopez. Consent was granted and inside the trunk of the vehicle, officers
located a P80 9mm handgun. Lopez has a misdemeanor handgun disqualification. Officers arrested
Lopez and charged him accordingly.
07/28/2020.
Members of Shooting Task Force noticed 18 year old Antonio Allen sitting in a Cadillac in the
parking lot of the Valley Street Townhouses which has no trespassing signs. When Allen noticed
police presence, he exited the vehicle wearing only one shoe and walked away at a fast pace. He
refused to stop and reached into a Honda Civic which then fled the area without him. Officers
detained Allen without further incident. In plain view in the parked Cadillac was a clear bag
containing marijuana and a black handgun on the passenger side floorboard. NHPD Bureau of
Identification responded to collect the firearm which was a Ruger .380 caliber handgun with an
obliterated serial number. Allen did not have a valid permit and was charged accordingly.

07/31/2020.
A FBI Task Force officer received information there were several males from the “Exit 8” group
carrying guns in the parking lot of the Essex Townhouses on Quinnipiac Avenue. As police officers
drove into the housing complex, officers observed approximately 15 people in the lot immediately to
the left. Once the people in the parking lot saw police, some began to run into the center of the
complex. Officers began a foot pursuit and one male was apprehended in the center lot. He was later
identified as 26 year old Jaquan Gray.
Gray had a fanny pack strapped across his chest. Gray began to struggle with officers when he was
taken to the ground. Gray kept his right hand on the fanny pack. Eventually, officers unsnapped and
seized the fanny pack. Inside of it was a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun stolen out of Hamden.
While officers were detaining Gray, a large crowd began to approach officers and several times
officers had to be push the crowd back. The crowd was not compliant with officers’ commands and
continued to approach.
Detectives apprehended a second man who ran from officers. This male was identified as 26 year old
Denzel Suggs. Officers detained Suggs without further incident. Suggs had a handgun in his front
right pocket, a Taurus (Model PT-22) .22 caliber handgun. Officers transported both men to
the NHPD Union Avenue Detention Center. Both Suggs and Gray are convicted felons and were
charged accordingly.
08/02/2020.
Detectives and Task Force officers conducted crime suppression in the Hill area where a homicide
had occurred earlier in the morning. A Task Force Officer (TFO) developed information there were
two males in a car on Greenwich Avenue with a shotgun in the car. Officers began canvassing the
area and located two males sitting in a black KIA sedan on Greenwich Avenue at Third Street. The
males, later identified as 27 year old Angel Viera and 27 year old Joshwua Figueroa were removed
from the car and a Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun loaded with seven shotgun shells was located on the
passenger side floorboard. Additionally, three shotgun shells were found in Viera's pocket. Viera and
Figueroa are convicted felons and were charged accordingly.
08/02/2020.
Later in the evening, an ATF Task Force Officer developed information there was a male in a white
sport utility vehicle (SUV) with a gun inside the vehicle in the area of Greenwich Avenue. Crime
suppression units located the vehicle double parked on Greenwich Avenue near First Street. The
vehicle drove away but officers conducted a motor vehicle stop at Howard Avenue and Second Street
where the operator was found to be 28 year old Brandon Mendoza. A search of the vehicle revealed a
Norinco Model 54 pistol with 7.62x25 caliber rounds in the ammunition magazine. Mendoza is not a
convicted felon and was charged appropriately. Mendoza refused to cooperate when asked to be
interviewed but did say that the recent homicide victim was a friend of his and that he had dropped
him off the night prior to the homicide.
This arrest and the other listed 08/02/2020 arrests helped stop retaliation for the
homicide which occurred earlier in the area on the morning of the same day.

Dedicated to Protecting Our Community

phone (203) 946-6333 fax (203) 946-7294 website www.cityofnewhaven.com/police
07/31/2020.
A FBI Task Force officer received information there were several males from the “Exit 8” group
carrying guns in the parking lot of the Essex Townhouses on Quinnipiac Avenue. As police officers
drove into the housing complex, officers observed approximately 15 people in the lot immediately to
the left. Once the people in the parking lot saw police, some began to run into the center of the
complex. Officers began a foot pursuit and one male was apprehended in the center lot. He was later
identified as 26 year old Jaquan Gray.
Gray had a fanny pack strapped across his chest. Gray began to struggle with officers when he was
taken to the ground. Gray kept his right hand on the fanny pack. Eventually, officers unsnapped and
seized the fanny pack. Inside of it was a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun stolen out of Hamden.
While officers were detaining Gray, a large crowd began to approach officers and several times
officers had to be push the crowd back. The crowd was not compliant with officers’ commands and
continued to approach.
Detectives apprehended a second man who ran from officers. This male was identified as 26 year old
Denzel Suggs. Officers detained Suggs without further incident. Suggs had a handgun in his front
right pocket, a Taurus (Model PT-22) .22 caliber handgun. Officers transported both men to
the NHPD Union Avenue Detention Center. Both Suggs and Gray are convicted felons and were
charged accordingly.
08/02/2020.
Detectives and Task Force officers conducted crime suppression in the Hill area where a homicide
had occurred earlier in the morning. A Task Force Officer (TFO) developed information there were
two males in a car on Greenwich Avenue with a shotgun in the car. Officers began canvassing the
area and located two males sitting in a black KIA sedan on Greenwich Avenue at Third Street. The
males, later identified as 27 year old Angel Viera and 27 year old Joshwua Figueroa were removed
from the car and a Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun loaded with seven shotgun shells was located on the
passenger side floorboard. Additionally, three shotgun shells were found in Viera's pocket. Viera and
Figueroa are convicted felons and were charged accordingly.
08/02/2020.
Later in the evening, an ATF Task Force Officer developed information there was a male in a white
sport utility vehicle (SUV) with a gun inside the vehicle in the area of Greenwich Avenue. Crime
suppression units located the vehicle double parked on Greenwich Avenue near First Street. The
vehicle drove away but officers conducted a motor vehicle stop at Howard Avenue and Second Street
where the operator was found to be 28 year old Brandon Mendoza. A search of the vehicle revealed a
Norinco Model 54 pistol with 7.62x25 caliber rounds in the ammunition magazine. Mendoza is not a
convicted felon and was charged appropriately. Mendoza refused to cooperate when asked to be
interviewed but did say that the recent homicide victim was a friend of his and that he had dropped
him off the night prior to the homicide.
This arrest and the other listed 08/02/2020 arrests helped stop retaliation for the
homicide which occurred earlier in the area on the morning of the same day.

Dedicated to Protecting Our Community

phone (203) 946-6333 fax (203) 946-7294 website www.cityofnewhaven.com/police
08/05/2020.
At approximately 8:00 p.m., members of the Shooting Task Force were traveling on Henry Street
towards Dixwell Avenue and were directly behind an older model orange/red colored Chevrolet
Cavalier. A registration check revealed the license plate came back to a 2008 tan Chevrolet Impala.
The Cavalier continued on Henry Street and turned onto Dixwell Avenue and pulled over. Detectives
pulled directly behind the car and activated their emergency lights. The driver, later identified as 22
year old Paul Witherspoon of Hamden, exited the car and began to walk towards the sidewalk.
Detectives told Witherspoon to walk back to the driver`s side of his car because they were stopping
him because the plate on his vehicle did match the car he was driving.
When asked for license, registration, and proof of insurance, Witherspoon told detectives everything
was at home. Witherspoon opened the glove box and attempted to find any paperwork for the car.
While Witherspoon searched his car for paperwork, detectives observed marijuana in the car.
Witherspoon told detectives marijuana was the only contraband in the car. Detectives had
Witherspoon remove his young child from the back seat of the vehicle. After closer inspection,
detectives saw the butt end of a shotgun on the front passenger side floorboard,
The Bureau of Identification arrived on scene to collect the shotgun. It was determined the shotgun
was loaded and the front of the firearm was sawed off to make the barrel shorter. After removing the
shotgun from the car, detectives conducted a further search. Located throughout the car were
multiple shotgun shells as well as 7.62 ammunition. Paul Witherspoon is not a convicted felon and
did not have a pistol permit. He was placed under arrest for the appropriate charges. Family members
arrived on scene and took custody of Witherspoon’s child. Detectives arrested Witherspoon without
incident.
08/05/2020.
After a federal investigation, Drug Enforcement Agents and NHPD detectives and officers executed a
search warrant at 1341 Chapel Street. Arrested was 18 year old Marquay Foster who was found in
possession a loaded black firearm HK VP 9mm with a tactical light; thirteen 9mm rounds in the
attached ammunition magazine; one empty black high capacity (32 round) ammunition magazine; one
clear zip lock back containing eleven 9mm rounds; one clear zip lock bag containing ten .40 caliber
rounds; and one loose 9x19 ammunition round. Officers arrested Foster on state charges for the
firearm.
In 10 days, there have been eight guns seized with nine arrests over this period of time from
07/26/2020 to 08/05/2020. Prior to this 10 day period, from July 1, 2020 to July 25, 2020 another 12
guns were seized. According to Assistant Chief Karl Jacobson, “These gun arrests helped stop
violence and saved lives. Detectives and officers are working extremely hard to assist in efforts with
community members to stop violence in New Haven. We ask that community members contact the
police department when illegal guns are being displayed. In many of these cases, community
members called the police and officers were able to safely take people into custody and get the guns
off the streets. These actions save lives and I want to thank the efforts of the detectives and the
officers as well as the assistance received from the community.”
NHPD Chief Tony Reyes wants the community to know that “We will not tolerate gun violence. We
will continue to work in collaboration with our state and federal partners to arrest those responsible
for violence in our city.”

Tune in tomorrow, July 30th for our Zoom Petition Signing Marathon! Mayor Toni Harp will also be making a big announcement! You can join by texting us your name and phone number to this number: +1 (203) 318-4727

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NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today the City of New Haven announced the relaunch of Democracy School! Applications for the two-month-long fall session of the Democracy School are now available for New Haven residents. The program will start in September. The Democracy School will introduce residents to the structures, services, and leaders in the City of New Haven through a series of public information sessions. City officials will introduce their work and lead question and answer sessions aimed at fostering open lines of communication, enabling participants to take full advantage of City resources and empowering residents to become community leaders and advocates.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker released the following statement:

The Democracy School is an excellent way for residents to learn how City government works and about the services we provide for all our residents in the Elm City. In fact, Democracy School was one of the ways that I started to become involved in the City years ago. As an alumnus of the Democracy School, I met community members from all around New Haven and learned directly from City staff about the nuts and bolts of City business. I encourage all residents to participate in this fun and invaluable experience. 

Democracy School is open to any New Haven resident that is at least 18 years of age by the start of the first session. Due to an anticipated high volume of applicants and physical restrictions imposed on the program by COVID-19, space will be limited to only 20 students. We, here at the City of New Haven, plan to create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to participate and foster long, impactful, and meaningful relationships.

Democracy School Goals:

• Provide participants with an interactive learning experience that generates dialogue about City services, programs, and responsibilities, including day-to-day operations, the challenges of City government, budget process, and limitations.
• Promote partnerships between community and government by providing a forum where local officials and community members can interact and exchange ideas.

Session Details:

The Democracy School will meet Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm for seven weeks via Zoom. Session links will be sent out to accepted participants. 

Requirements:

Given the breadth of information to be shared, participants should avoid missing sessions. Each person will be required to complete a simple class assignment, which will be further explained when class begins. It can include participating in one of the following over the seven-week period: attend a Board of Alders meeting, attend a Board of Education meeting, attend one of the mayor’s office hours, or attend a committee meeting. After each session, participants will be asked to fill out a brief survey.

To access the application for the Democracy School, visit this link. If you have any questions, please contact Omena McCoy at (203) 946-5892 or omccoy@newhavenct.gov.

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“Perfect Storm” Sparks Brutal Stretch

JAY-Z, Yo Gotti and Team Roc have taken action for the Mississippi State Penitentiary inmates amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yo Gotti, JAY-Z Sue Mississippi Officials Amid COVID-19 Outbreak In Prison

August Alsina Goes On Rant After Jada Pinkett Smith Admits Past Affair

101 College Street–the Newest Element of New Haven Downtown Crossing Project Reaches Major Milestone Tonight

New Haven Board of Alders Approve Together, We Grow–Development and Land Disposition Agreement

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Tonight, as the City of New Haven works to create a resilient economy in light of the impacts of COVID-19, a Development and Land Disposition Agreement was presented for a second reading and approved by the New Haven Board of Alders. 101 College Street, a proposed 10-story, 400,000-500,000 square foot development consisting of lab, research, and incubator space in support of New Haven’s burgeoning bioscience economy, was passed unanimously.  

“Planning for New Haven’s future amid the challenges associated with the COVID-19 public health crisis is difficult but vital for our future,” said Mayor Justin Elicker. “Our foremost priority continues to be managing and mitigating the devastating effects of this pandemic; however, we must continue to move forward to further establish New Haven as a significant bio-cluster hub in the State and innovation is the key to spark growth and create a significant rebound for our local economy,” he concluded.

At tonight’s meeting, the Alders had a second reading of the Together, We Grow Agreement, accepted the conveyance of land from the State of Connecticut and approved a Development and Land Disposition Agreement among the City of New Haven, the New Haven Parking Authority and Winstanley Enterprises 101 College Street LLC for the disposition and development of 101 College Street.

The terms of the agreement, all outlined in the Together, We Grow document discussed the number of new jobs the development will create, its impact on the City’s tax base, community benefits associated with the deal, and the construction timeline.  The Board of Alders put forth important amendments, designated funding for scholarships.  Career High School in the Hill neighborhood will be the feeder program to the BioPath initiative in conjunction with Gateway Community College and Southern Connecticut State University. 

101 College Street is proposed to be built on a parcel of previously unusable land that was recently freed for development by Downtown Crossing’s extensive infrastructure work.

“We are grateful for the thoughtful work of the Board of Alders and City staff in the midst of these unprecedented times and in particular the Board’s efforts to connect New Haven residents to jobs and training in science and technology,” said Michael Piscitelli.  “We are very excited to break ground on 101 College Street in the near future, and we look forward to working with our partners at the state and federal level to see the project through to completion in 2022.” 

Highlights of the Community benefits package included in the “Together, We Grow” agreement:

Community Access

• Plaza is a public space available for outdoor programming, mentorship, and collaboration
• Dedicated Classroom for New Haven Public Schools
• Developer shall endeavor to create an incubator supporting community-based entrepreneurship

Workforce Ladders & Permanent Jobs Supports

• Mentoring program for New Haven students interested in construction-related jobs
• An innovation workforce pipeline to foster life science and technology career pathways for New Haven Public Schools
• A new support program designed to connect New Haven residents to various support service jobs at 101 College Street (in partnership with New Haven Works)
• Establishment of new pilot program, SOURCE NHV, designed to connect small local businesses to middle-markets through a brokerage service

Workforce Utilization for the Construction of 101 College Street

• Per City of New Haven Ordinance, the developer will be required to meet workforce utilization goals including hiring minimums of 25% New Haven residents, 25% minority, & 6.9 % women
• The developer will undertake a mentoring program for MBE/SBE contractors
• Members of the public are encouraged to learn more about the development, provide input and follow the approval process via online resources and virtual meeting links provided by the New Haven Department of Economic Development on the Downtown Crossing website: http://downtowncrossingnewhaven.com

About Downtown Crossing:

Downtown Crossing is a long-term, multi-phase public/private redevelopment project seeking to reconnect the City’s medical district and Hill neighborhood with the City’s central business district by converting a portion of Route 34–a limited-access highway connector–into urban boulevards and new city streets. Phase 2 is currently under construction, funded by a $21.5 million grant from the Connecticut Department of Economic Development (DECD) and $7 million from a $20 million TIGER 8 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). Phase 2 primarily involves the construction of new intersections at Orange Street at MLK Boulevard and Orange Street at South Frontage Road. The public infrastructure improvements and other planned enhancements coordinate with the private redevelopment of the old New Haven Coliseum site at 275 Orange Street.

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The City of New Haven Announces Wooster Square Monument Committee

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today the City of New Haven announced that it will be forming a committee to formally decide what will succeed the Columbus statue at Wooster Square Park. This past Wednesday, the New Haven Parks Department removed the 4,000-pound bronze statue from its pedestal at the Wooster Square Park. The Christopher Columbus statue is being retained by the City after suffering multiple incidents of vandalism before its removal by the Parks Department. For historical preservation purposes, the City plans to maintain the base of the statue at Wooster Square Park, and the City is currently maintaining the Christopher Columbus statue in a secure location.

The Wooster Square Monument Committee will be comprised of members of the community representing the following organizations: Downtown/Wooster Square Community Management Team, Historic Wooster Square Association, New Haven Parks Commission, New Haven Cultural Affairs Commission, Arts Council of Greater New Haven, City of New Haven, Christopher Columbus Parade Committee, two New Haven Board of Alders members selected by the President, American Italian Women of Greater New Haven, St. Andrew Society, St. Andrew Ladies Society, Santa Maria Maddalena Society, Santa Maria Maddalena Ladies Society, St. Paul and St. James Episcopal Church, St. Catello Society, Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Connecticut General Assembly and the Office of Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. The Wooster Square Monument Committee will coordinate with the City of New Haven to match public and private dollars and determine an appropriate monument to honor Italian-American heritage in New Haven.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker released the following statement:

The removal of the statue of Christopher Columbus was emotional for many people in the Italian community in New Haven. While I believe it was the right decision to remove the statue, I also understand the importance of Columbus to the Italian community as a symbol of Italian heritage. We are forming the Wooster Square Monument Committee to decide how to appropriately honor the contributions to Italian-Americans in New Haven through a collaborative community process. I am looking forward to the many conversations surrounding how we can respectfully highlight Italian-American culture and do so as a community.

The Wooster Square Monument Committee will be co-chaired by two committee members. Below is a full list of the Wooster Monument Committee members:

Carl Babb, Member, New Haven Parks Commission

David Belowsky, Member, New Haven Parks Commission

Frances Calzetta, Member, American Italian Women of Greater New Haven

Frank Carrano, Member, Wooster Square Historian, Branford Resident

Elsie Chapman, Member, Historic Wooster Square Association

Andrew Consiglio, Member, Santa Maria Maddalena Society

Paul Criscuolo, Member, St. Catello Society

Rheta DeBenedett, Member, Santa Maria Maddalena Ladies Society

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Member, U.S. House of Representatives

Frank Gargano, Member, St. Andrew Society

Sarah Greenblatt, Member, Wooster Square Resident

Bill Iovanne, Member, Wooster Square Business Owner

Adriane Jefferson, Member, City of New Haven Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs

Laura Luzzi, Member, Italian Heritage Committee of Greater New Haven

Vin Mauro, Member, New Haven Resident

Charles Murphy, Member, Wooster Square Resident

Dan Onofrio, Member, CT State President Sons and Daughters of Italy in America

State Rep. Al Paolillo, Jr., Member, Connecticut General Assembly

Michael Piscitelli, Member, City of New Haven Economic Development Administrator

Cindy Rosarbo, Member, St. Andrew Ladies Society

Aleta Staton, Member, New Haven Cultural Affairs Commission

Two Representatives from the New Haven Board of Alders selected by President Walker-Myers

Neil Thomas Proto, Advisory Role, Historian

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New Haven Police Investigate Homicide

New Haven| New Haven Police are investigating a homicide.  The deceased is an adult male who was found in a parking lot several hundred feet behind a business near 301 Sargent Drive.  

On Sunday, June 28, 2020, at approximately 6:22 a.m., New Haven Fire and Police responded to a report of an unresponsive person.  Arriving emergency responders found a gunshot victim in a commercial parking lot.   The victim was pronounced deceased on scene.

NHPD Major Crimes detectives, NHPD Bureau of Identification forensic detectives, and personnel from the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner responded to the location.  Medical Examiner personnel removed the victim.

Crime scene detectives remained on scene during the day.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6304.  Callers may remain anonymous or submit tips anonymously by calling 1-866-888-TIPS (1-866-888-8477).  Tips can also be texted.  Text “NHPD” plus your message to short code 274637 (CRIMES).

New Haven Parks Dept. Officially Removes Christopher Columbus Statue

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Just one week after the Parks Commission voted for the removal of the Columbus Statue in Wooster Square Park, the City has announced it has been removed as of this afternoon. The statue will remain in custody with the City, ahead of planning for it to reside at the Knights of Columbus Museum. The statue holds deep ties to the Italian-American community, as it was first erected in 1892, and later recast in bronze in 1955. Prior to the statue’s removal this morning, protesters for and against the statute removal demonstrated, and some altercations broke out.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker released the following statement:

The decision to remove the statue of Columbus today was one that was spearheaded by a group of leaders in the Italian community. While this decision for those leaders was not easy, they courageously did the right thing. I support this decision. I want to take a moment to thank those leaders for their support in recognizing the history of colonialism and its negative effects on many cultures, and their help to identify a place where the statue can reside. I know that there are some people who strongly disagree with the decision to remove the statute. People have the right to protest and express their opinions peacefully. We will work collaboratively to ensure we honor New Haven’s Italian Heritage and immigrant history. I look forward to the many community conversations surrounding what we would like to see replace the statue of Christopher Columbus, and how we can highlight other cultural icons for the many Italian-Americans that have made New Haven their home. It is disappointing that some at the protest incited fighting. New Haven has a long history of lively dialogue, but violence has no place in our city. We face a very challenging moment in history. We must work as a community to listen, understand, and have respectful dialogue with each other. This moment, while challenging, is also an opportunity to bring people together.

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