Red paint from vandalism in February 2019 is still present on the top of the statue in a park in Chula Vista.
Red paint from vandalism in February 2019 was still present Saturday on the top of the statue at Discovery Park in Chula Vista. Photo by Chris Stone

Eight months after pouring red paint on the Columbus statue in Discovery Park, vandals struck again Monday — Columbus Day. At least three statues of the Italian explorer were defaced this weekend nationwide.

Chula Vista city crews were cleaning the statue after a Chula Vista patrol officer discovered it vandalized at 7:50 a.m. A similar attack happened in late February, when “GENOCIDE” was painted on the granite base as well.

Meanwhile, a city spokeswoman confirmed that Chula Vista officials have received a letter from American Indian groups demanding removal of the statue and renaming of the park.

“The Human Relations Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission will consider the item at a future meeting and potentially make a recommendation to the City Council,” said the spokeswoman.

Related: Columbus ‘Like Hitler’: American Indians Demand Removal of Chula Vista Statue

10News said one of the groups holding a kickoff event Saturday at the statue denied defacing the 8-foot bronze.

“Unión del Barrio is not responsible for the painting of Christopher Columbus at ‘Discovery Park’ in Chula Vista,” said the statement. “It should come to no surprise that in the context of the historical genocide of native nations as well as the legacy of war by a settler U.S. government, that a monument to a genocidal murderer would be acceptable in this day and age.”

The statement ended: “Long Live Indigenous People’s Day!”

Chula Vista police asked anyone with information on the suspected vandals to call 619-691-5151.

Over the weekend, Columbus statues were painted red in San Francisco and Providence, Rhode Island.