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Protesters topple Confederate statue 'Silent Sam' at UNC-Chapel Hill

More than 300 protesters first gathered at the Peace and Justice Plaza around 7:30 p.m. before marching to the base of the statue, calling for its removal.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Protesters toppled the controversial "Silent Sam" statue on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Monday.

More than 300 protesters first gathered at the Peace and Justice Plaza at about 7:30 p.m., before marching to the base of the statue, calling for its removal.

Protesters sectioned off the area around the controversial statue with large banners and could be heard chanting, "Stand up, fight back," and "Hey, hey, ho, ho, this racist statue has got to go." Many also held signs.

At one point, there were tense moments between protesters and police officers. Protesters deployed smoke canisters.

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Statement from the office of Governor Roy Cooper:

Governor Cooper has been in contact with local law enforcement and UNC officials regarding tonight's rally and appreciates their efforts to keep people safe. The Governor understands that many people are frustrated by the pace of change and he shares their frustration, but violent destruction of public property has no place in our communities.

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