Police Patrol Columbus Statue After Damage Last Year

Police in Middletown are patrolling around the statue of Christopher Columbus today after it was vandalized on Columbus Day last year. 

The statue in Middletown was one of several statues that were damaged last year. Others were in New Haven and Norwalk.  

People who have spoken with NBC Connecticut had strong opinions of the holiday. 

"I hope everyone recognizes that indigenous people played an important role in the United States, that they were here before Columbus and that's really a fact," Chris Rice, of New Haven said. 

The West Hartford school district decided that instead of recognizing Columbus Day next year, it will recognize Oct. 14 as Indigenous Peoples Day.  

“As an Italian heritage we look forward to celebrating Christopher Columbus,” Patty Hanley, of North Branford, said. “Christopher Columbus discovered America. It's as simple as that.” 

There have been no reports of damage to the statues this year.