PHILADELPHIA — A historical panel has advanced plans to remove a 144-year-old statue of Christopher Columbus from south Philadelphia after the explorer became a focus of protesters amid nationwide demonstrations in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Philadelphia Historical Commission voted 10-2 Friday in favor of moving the now-boarded-up statue from Marconi Plaza. The vote clears the way for the city’s art commission to decide its fate Aug. 12.

Commissioner Kim Washington said in Friday’s meeting online that if a piece of public art starts inciting violence, it’s time to remove it.

City crews earlier built a wooden box around the statue following clashes between protesters and residents.