A statue of George Floyd that had been placed near the National Mall has been quietly removed by authorities, prompting a wave of reactions from both supporters and critics across the political spectrum.

The statue, which had been temporarily installed near the iconic site as part of a broader social justice art initiative, was taken down early Wednesday morning without prior public notice. The National Park Service confirmed the removal, citing the end of its permit period and what officials called a need to “refocus public art installations on unifying, historical figures of national consensus.”

The bronze bust, erected in 2021 amid a surge of protests and calls for police reform following Floyd’s death in Minneapolis, had become a symbol of the modern civil rights movement. It was both praised as a tribute to the struggle for racial justice and criticized by those who questioned whether Floyd should be memorialized in such a prominent public space.

“While we understand the impact Mr. Floyd’s death had on the nation, we must also consider the broader context of permanent and semi-permanent displays on federal land,” said National Park Service spokesperson Erin DeWitt. “The decision to remove the statue was based on scheduling, permit limitations, and ongoing discussions about how we use our shared national spaces.”

Civil rights groups expressed outrage at the move, accusing the federal government of attempting to quietly erase a symbol of racial reckoning.

“This is not just about a statue,” said Maya Jenkins, director of the Justice Now Coalition. “This is about the ongoing resistance to acknowledging the reality of police violence and systemic racism in America.”

On the other side of the debate, conservative commentators and lawmakers applauded the decision, calling the statue “divisive” and “inappropriate for a space meant to honor national unity.”

“The National Mall is a place for presidents, soldiers, and heroes — not for the glorification of controversial figures,” said Rep. Clay Harmon (R-TX). “We can remember the moment without rewriting history.”

The statue is reportedly being returned to its sponsoring organization, which is considering relocating it to a private location or another city open to its public display.

As of now, there are no announced plans to replace the statue with another artwork, though discussions are reportedly underway about adding new monuments focused on American resilience and shared values.

The removal adds to a growing national debate about which figures deserve permanent commemoration — and who decides.