Rep. Boebert makes Pueblo stop for Columbus Day
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- Despite the recent abolishment of Columbus Day in the state of Colorado, Pueblo's Italian community would not be deterred from honoring their heritage. Dozens came out to the controversial bust of Christopher Columbus in front of Rawlings Library to celebrate, but also to see the keynote speaker, Rep. Lauren Boebert.
On Monday, the Sons and Daughters of Italy chapter in Pueblo hosted Boebert, the Republican congresswoman who represents Congressional District 3. The congresswoman told KRDO the battle over the Columbus bust's future in Pueblo is an important one -- and she is in support of the local Italian community's desire to keep the bust where it is.
@RepBoebert takes the stage in Pueblo for Columbus Day. Around a dozen protesters are shouting and chanting while she speaks. @krdonews pic.twitter.com/5iy8chfwcw
— Dan Beedie KRDO (@BeedieonTV) October 11, 2021
"Pueblo, we are uncancellable, we heroes cannot and will not be canceled," said Rep. Boebert during a speech on Monday. "Christopher Columbus will not be canceled. America will not be canceled."
When Boebert took to the stand, she was applauded by many, but a dozen or so protesters were behind police barricades -- shouting down Pueblo's congressional representative right from the start of her speech.
"I thought she was disingenuous at best," said Joaquin Molina, one of the protesters of Monday's Columbus Day festivities. "We see the company that people keep, and we are proud to distance ourselves from that side."
On Sunday, dozens within Pueblo's indigenous community came to protest the Columbus bust and celebrate Indigenous People's Day.
Protesters tell KRDO they came out on Monday to continue their battle against the bust, and protest Rep. Boebert who they consider problematic and misogynistic.
"You heard Lauren mention something really interesting when we hold together, and add value to our community -- everyone benefits," said Jerry Carleo with Pueblo's Son's of Italy Chapter. "The disrespect that was shown to her during her presentation was not a value-added example of how Pueblo should operate."
Boebert took only one question from media at the event.
