COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--The statue of Christopher Columbus outside of City Hall will be removed as soon as possible.
Mayor Andrew Ginther made the declaration Thursday, saying the statue will be put into storage until a permanent decision is made about the structure.
Ginther also tasked the Columbus Art Commission to create a piece of artwork that better reflects the city and its people to put in its place.
The statue is one of three of the explorer in the city that bears his name. Earlier this week, officials at Columbus State Community College announced they would remove their statue.
No decision has been made yet about the future of the Columbus statue at the Ohio Statehouse.
All three have been the targets of vandalism in recent weeks, amid the protests over racial inequality and social justice. Critics point to Christopher Columbus's history of genocide and abuse of indigenous people.