Robert E. Lee Statue in Charlottesville Removed, Sparked Infamous 2017 Clash


The Robert E. Lee statue in Charlottesville is finally coming down … nearly 4 years after it played a central role in sparking the violent rally where Heather Heyer was killed.

Crews started working early Saturday morning to remove the monument to the Confederate general from a city park.

The monumental event drew a crowd of spectators who cheered when the statue was finally lifted off its pedestal. The crews are expected to remove another nearby statue too — that one of another Confederate general … Andrew “Stonewall” Jackson.

Calls for the city to take down the tributes to the failed Confederacy were what ignited the “Unite the Right” rally back in 2017 … where neo-Nazis with tiki torches walked through the University of Virginia campus chanting about white supremacy.

Play video content

TMZ.com

That drew counter protesters and sparked the violent clash where James Fields eventually plowed through a crowd with his car, killing Heyer. He was sentenced to life in prison in 2019 for her murder and hate crimes.

Then-President Trump infamously reacted to the deadly incident by saying there was “blame on both sides.”

As the Lee statue was coming down Saturday, Charlottesville Mayor Nikuyah Walker addressed the crowd and reporters, saying … “Taking down this statue is one small step closer to the goal of helping Charlottesville, Virginia, and America, grapple with the sin of being willing to destroy Black people for economic gain.”

It’s unclear where the statues will go now. By law, the city had to accept bids from people or institutions interested in taking them. Charlottesville reportedly 10 offers and the city council will make the final call.

You can view the original article HERE.

Sam Asghari Wears Matching Outfits With Rumored Girlfriend, Shopping For Furniture
Sam Asghari Wears Matching Outfits With Rumored Girlfriend, Shopping For Furniture
John Krasinski is People’s Sexiest Man Alive. Everything we know about how he was chosen — and why debate over the selection is good for sales.
John Krasinski is People’s Sexiest Man Alive. Everything we know about how he was chosen — and why debate over the selection is good for sales.
Michael Strahan Addresses National Anthem Backlash, I Wasn’t Making a Statement!
Michael Strahan Addresses National Anthem Backlash, I Wasn’t Making a Statement!
What’s it like being the ‘Sexiest Man Alive’? Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans among past titleholders offering advice to the 2024 winner.
What’s it like being the ‘Sexiest Man Alive’? Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans among past titleholders offering advice to the 2024 winner.
“She Just Had an Accident”: “Seed of Chucky” at 20 | Features
“She Just Had an Accident”: “Seed of Chucky” at 20 | Features
Paul Mescal Feels Pressure of Gladiator 2 Box Office Expectations
Paul Mescal Feels Pressure of Gladiator 2 Box Office Expectations
Emilia Pérez Ending, Explained
Emilia Pérez Ending, Explained
Time Moves On: Jesse Eisenberg on “A Real Pain” | Interviews
Time Moves On: Jesse Eisenberg on “A Real Pain” | Interviews
Pharrell Williams denies dissing Taylor Swift’s Kamala Harris endorsement
Pharrell Williams denies dissing Taylor Swift’s Kamala Harris endorsement
Government back arena ticket levy to save grassroots music – but deadline is needed
Government back arena ticket levy to save grassroots music – but deadline is needed
‘Friends’ actress remembers “hullabaloo” over same-sex wedding
‘Friends’ actress remembers “hullabaloo” over same-sex wedding
When is The Penguin season 2 coming out?
When is The Penguin season 2 coming out?
Rays’ Franco charged with illegally carrying gun during altercation
Rays’ Franco charged with illegally carrying gun during altercation
Vikings’ Flores ‘certainly’ wants to be NFL head coach again
Vikings’ Flores ‘certainly’ wants to be NFL head coach again
Mitchell’s 36-point effort keeps Cavs undefeated
Mitchell’s 36-point effort keeps Cavs undefeated
Daboll noncommittal on Jones as Giants’ QB1 after bye week
Daboll noncommittal on Jones as Giants’ QB1 after bye week
Mark Hamill, Mike Flanagan & Many More to Host MST3K Thanksgiving Marathon
Mark Hamill, Mike Flanagan & Many More to Host MST3K Thanksgiving Marathon
21 Surprisingly Progressive TV Shows That Were Ahead of Their Time
21 Surprisingly Progressive TV Shows That Were Ahead of Their Time
Mare of Easttown Creator Reveals What’s Holding Him Back From Season 2
Mare of Easttown Creator Reveals What’s Holding Him Back From Season 2
Mad About the Boy Trailer Released by Peacock
Mad About the Boy Trailer Released by Peacock
Best Early Black Friday Fashion Deals 2024
Best Early Black Friday Fashion Deals 2024
Your Sleek Gift Guide For Scorpios!
Your Sleek Gift Guide For Scorpios!
Face of Jules Expands: Scaling Luxury Skincare to Meet Rising Demand
Face of Jules Expands: Scaling Luxury Skincare to Meet Rising Demand
Marc Jacobs Edits Vogue, The Rock Covers GQ!
Marc Jacobs Edits Vogue, The Rock Covers GQ!