The debate continues after protesters topple Confederate statue

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Another Confederate statue in North Carolina pulled down by protesters. A year ago, the same act launched a debate that has since grown silent.

WWAY took to the streets to hear from those about the controversial topic in downtown Wilmington, where multiple Confederate markers stand as well as two symbolic statues, George Davis and the Soldiers of the Confederacy memorial. That memorial and statue were the sights of vandalism last August.

Andrew Bopes says the memorial was almost given the same treatment as “Silent Sam” and the Durham statue.

“Somebody tried to wrap a rope around the statue and pull it down with a truck,” said Bopes.

Governor Roy Cooper wants locals to have a choice but not supporting the events Monday night taking to Twitter saying, “violent destruction of public property has no place in our communities”.

The state Sons of the Confederacy issuing a statement saying they were “disgusted” by the act adding that it’s possible “communities across North Carolina will be faced with the same outcome”.

Wilmington police say they have increased their patrolling of confederate monuments around the city after what happened at UNC. WWAY’s Andrew James asked people in downtown what they think should be done.

“It’s a part of North Carolina history,” said Julia Jensen, who works downtown. “So take it down and put it in a museum, that’s my two cents.”

“I think they shouldn’t be in public on the street like this,” said Bopes. “I think it should be with context, in a museum, you know down at Fort Fisher or something. Somewhere that has the full story.”

Others James spoke with were either indifferent to the issue or simply wished the statues were not torn down. WWAY let viewers sound off on Facebook some saying, “they are a part of the region’s history” or “keep em”.