Photo: Reddit

DETROIT – In recognition of Columbus Day, a statue of Christopher Columbus in downtown Detroit got a blow to the head from a hatchet.

The statue at Jefferson and Randolph was vandalized with fake blood and a hatchet taped to his forehead. The ax was later removed, and the paint will be cleaned up tomorrow.

On Columbus Day, parades and festivities commemorate Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. But honoring the Italian explorer and colonizer is becoming increasingly controversial.

Today, many Tweets with the hashtag ColumbusDay mocked the observance:

“I’m celebrating #ColumbusDay by walking into a stranger’s home and claiming it as my own. Housewarming party to be announced.”

“Happy Brutal Murder and Colonization Day! #ColumbusDay.”

“Ah yes, genocide. #ColumbusDay.”

Congress made the second Monday of October Columbus Day in 1934. 

Earlier this year, the city commission of Traverse City approved a resolution to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day along with Columbus Day. Other cities across the country have abolished Columbus Day, replacing it with Indigenous Peoples Day.