(Richmond, Va.) (AP) — Hundreds of people packed a contentious community meeting in Richmond to weigh in on what should be done with the city’s Confederate monuments.

More than 500 people gathered at the Virginia Historical Society and more were turned away due to space restrictions. The meeting was the first of two public comment sessions that have been scheduled as a commission studies adding context to the statues or building new ones.

Mayor Levar Stoney has said he does not think the statues should be removed, though a number of speakers said that option should be on the table. Others said the monuments should be untouched.

Attendees at times shouted, cheered, booed and cried.

Another community meeting is set for next month.