![]() ![]() Joyce Beatty was hit by pepper spray as scuffles broke out near the end of a May demonstration. The first night, protesters smashed windows at the Ohio Statehouse and at businesses throughout downtown. “This case is the sad tale of police officers, clothed with the awesome power of the state, run amok.”Īt issue in the federal lawsuit was the city’s response to protests that began in late May after the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who last week was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.Ĭolumbus protests lasted multiple days downtown, near Ohio State University, and across other parts of the city. In January, interim Columbus Chief Thomas Quinlan was forced out after Ginther said he’d lost confidence in the chief’s ability to make needed changes. More recently, the mayor has said the division’s next police chief must be a “change agent” who will come from outside the department. “We need to change the culture of the Columbus Division of Police,” the letter said, echoing language Ginther has used for years. Earlier this week, Mayor Andrew Ginther and City Attorney Zach Klein - both Democrats - invited the Justice Department to review the police department for “deficiencies and racial disparities” in recruitment, hiring and use of force, among other categories. The city had opposed the lawsuit, arguing that the police department has since changed its policies to implement most of what the protesters who sued had demanded.īut elected officials have also been continuously critical of the 1,900-officer police department. Messages seeking comment were left for city leaders. ![]() “This case is the sad tale of police officers, clothed with the awesome power of the state, run amok,” Marbley wrote. He also said individuals clearly identifying themselves as reporters, medics or legal observers must be allowed to record protests and help injured people. READ MORE: Wandering cops moving from department to department is a roadblock to police accountability Marbley also said police can’t inflict pain to punish or deter protesters, and must ensure body-worn and cruiser cameras are working and badge numbers are visible even when officers are wearing riot gear. His 88-page opinion ordered police to stop using such tactics on nonviolent protesters who aren’t harming people or destroying property. Most participants were peacefully protesting or observing when they fell victim to such nonlethal responses by officers, with “a mountain of evidence” that protesters were targeted while trying to follow police orders to leave the demonstrations, said Judge Algenon Marbley. She said that while police acknowledged the event, collaboration was lacking, and some of the participants felt unsafe, despite the planned presence of more than 100 security volunteers who planned to create a human perimeter around the venue.COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Police in Ohio’s capital city ran “amok” last year when responding to demonstrations against racial injustice and police brutality by using physical violence, tear gas and pepper spray against protestors without provocation, a federal judge said Friday in a ruling ordering officers to approach such scenarios differently. Saturday morning, speaking on the event's stage, framed by holiday decor that included a Christmas tree in the rainbow colors of the pride flag, Red Oak Community School manager Cheryl Ryan made an emotional video address explaining why "Holi-Drag Storytime" was canceled. ![]() "Drag Queen Story Hour" events in Oregon and California this year have been targeted by right-wing demonstrators who have come armed, thrown items, and shouted transphobic slurs.įollowing last month's mass shooting at a Colorado Springs, Colorado LGBTQ+ bar that killed five following a "Drag Divas" performance, some high-profile drag performers have increased their security protocols, such as hiring armed guards. They pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial.įear in Columbus over the week was great enough that the nonprofit Equality Ohio urged LGBTQ+ people and allies not to counterprotest because the situation outside the venue Saturday could be "potentially volatile and dangerous," according to a statement. 6 to overturn the 2020 presidential election in favor of former President Donald Trump. Five of its members, including Henry "Enrique" Tarrio, were indicted by a federal grand jury on seditious conspiracy charges in connection with their alleged participation in an effort Jan. ![]()
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