New York City to remove Thomas Jefferson statue from City Hall

A New York City commission on Monday voted to remove a statue of Thomas Jefferson from City Hall, reports ABC 7.

The New York City Public Design Commission voted unanimously to relocate the 188-year-old statue, located in the building's City Council chambers. The move is the result of a years-long debate stemming from the fact that the former president was a slave owner.

In June, members of City Council, including Council Speaker Corey Johnson, penned a letter to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio calling for the statue's removal.

"There are disturbing images of divisiveness and racism in our City that need to be revisited immediately," the letter reads, according to NBC News. "That starts with City Hall."

de Blasio on Thursday during a press briefing told reporters he understood why Jefferson's past "profoundly bothers people, and why ... (Read more)

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