Frank Rizzo statue's fate still in limbo
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Police protect the Frank Rizzo statue in 2017. Photo: Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto via Getty
The potential return of Philadelphia's controversial Frank L. Rizzo sculpture to the group that paid for it appears to be hung up.
Why it matters: The city removed the monument of Philadelphia's former mayor and police commissioner from Center City in 2020 during the height of the racial justice protests after the police killing of George Floyd.
State of play: Litigation between the Frank L. Rizzo Monument Committee — which commissioned and donated the bronze sculpture in 1998 — and the city is ongoing, city Law Department spokesperson Ava Schwemler tells Axios.
- The city remains in possession of the statue, which is in storage.
- The committee wants it back, as well as money to cover repairs incurred during its removal.
What they're saying: "Talks are ongoing about when we will get it back. Then we go from there," a spokesperson for the Rizzo committee tells Axios.
- Schwemler declined further comment.
Between the lines: It's been nearly five years since the committee first sued the city over the statue, arguing the city's removal process violated the terms of a prior agreement.
- In May 2024, George Bochetto, a lawyer representing the committee, told Axios the city was poised to settle the suit.
- "It's pretty much a done deal," Bochetto said at the time.
- The group was also seeking a new site to place the 9-foot monument, most likely in South Philly.
- Bochetto didn't return Axios' calls seeking comment.
The latest: The committee's state lawsuit against the city had a projected trial date for August 2024, which didn't occur, per court documents.
- The last docket entry was made in October 2024 as the court was "waiting to enter worksheet." No court documents or further descriptions were listed.
What to watch: The return of the statue to the committee would likely reignite debates and protests over Rizzo's legacy.
- To supporters, Rizzo was an Italian-American hero who cracked down on crime.
- To opponents, he represents aggressive police tactics and is a symbol of racism, bigotry and unchecked brutality, particularly for those in the Black and LGBTQ communities.