Chapel Hill, NC (WNCN/CBS/AP) - A Confederate statue on the campus of the University of North Carolina Chapel was knocked down by protesters Monday night.
Several hundred people gathered on the campus Monday night over what's known as the "Silent Sam" statue. At roughly 9:20 p.m., protesters knocked down the statue around 9:20 p.m.
Protestors were calling for the statue's immediate removal. One student vowed to wear a noose around his neck until it was taken down.
UNC Police told CBS 17 that one person who attended the rally was arrested and charged with resisting arrest.
The protesters marched down Franklin Street towards Carrboro following the rally at Silent Sam on campus.
Chapel Hill police had to shut down Franklin Street between Raleigh Street and Church Street.
UNC's Chancellor Carol Fort sent out a statement on Twitter early Tuesday morning. The message wrote in part-
"The monument has been divisive for years, and its presence has been a source of frustration for many people not only on our campus but throughout the community.
However, last night's actions were unlawful and dangerous, and we are very fortunate that no one was injured. The police are investigating the vandalism and assessing the full extent of the damage."
"Silent Sam" is set to be discussed for the first time in a state meeting on Wednesday. Students, faculty and alumni have called the statue a racist image and asked officials to remove it. The statue was given to the university by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1909. It was erected in 1913.
UNC Board of Governors Chair Harry Smith said in a recent statement that the board "respects each of the varying opinions within the University community concerning this matter." However, he also noted that "neither UNC-Chapel Hill nor the UNC System have the legal authority to unilaterally relocate the Silent Sam statue."