The Christopher Columbus statue near Coit Tower was vandalized Sunday. Red paint covered the face of the controversial colonist, while the base of the statue had graffiti that read, “Destroy all monuments of genocide and kill all colonizers.”

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Sara Golfieri arrived from Italy two days ago. She views the vandalized statute as a disrespect to the Italian navigator.

“Very important and he’s a national hero in Italy because he discovered America,” said Golfieri.

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In San Francisco, Columbus Day weekend is not celebrated, instead today is “Italian Heritage Day.”

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