CLEVELAND — The City of Cleveland has again taken to the streets of downtown Sunday. However, this time it was for a much different reason.
Residents and business owners joined forces in an effort to clean up and restore the downtown area following the destruction caused during Sunday's " I can't breathe" rally protesting the death of George Floyd and racial injustices.
It was supposed to be a day of peaceful protests and demonstrations, but it took a turn for the worse leaving several businesses in downtown looted and vandalized.
Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish praised the work of the volunteers on Monday in a statement.
“Following the destruction of many of the businesses in Downtown Cleveland, we all witnessed the true heart of our community. People from all around the county came together on Sunday morning, armed only with brooms and goodwill. They righted overturned planters, swept glass—did whatever they could to express their support for our downtown.
I want to thank each and every one of them and to also thank all of you who have reached out in other ways. The protests over this weekend are a direct expression of people’s deep and justified anger over racial injustice in this country.
As a community we must do better; as a country we must do better. Seeing Clevelanders pull together on Sunday, people from all walks of life and people of every color lifts my heart. We can be better together; we can be stronger together.”
Here’s a chronological look at how the city, local businesses and residents are responding the damage and destruction on Sunday.
12:00 P.M. - The curfew in downtown Cleveland's business is activated. A parking ban has also been implemented.
11:28 A.M.- Local t-shirt and apparel company GV Art + Apparel shows images of their clean up process.
11:23 A.M.- Cleveland State issues notice that four of its building sustained minimal damage by protesters. The university is restricting those allowed on campus.
" Until further notice, only designated essential employees should be on campus. Any students, faculty or staff on campus or in other areas of downtown are reminded to adhere to the City of Cleveland’s curfew," their website read Sunday.
11:00 A.M.- Founder of non-profit R.A.K.E Ricky Smith has assembled a group to help clean the downtown area.
10:45 A.M.- 3News' Lindsay Buckingham captures residents and business owners cleaning up East 4th Street.
10:00 A.M.- The downtown Cleveland Alliance asks resident to stay home and away from the downtown area.
"For now we ask residents to stay home for their safety. Cleveland has always been a resilient city and we understand the eagerness to help our neighbors and protect the City we love. But know - we will rebuild together." they said in a statement posted on Twitter.
9:39 A.M. - @dtCLEresidents adjust the start time of their cleanup efforts to 10 a.m. to get as much done before the extended curfew resumes at noon. "At the city's request, we will only be cleaning up trash - no glass."
9: 28 A.M- The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority is adjusting its routes to comply with the city's curfew for downtown Cleveland.
9:18 A.M. - Volunteers are working to clean up the city after Saturday's damage.
8:00 A.M- Northeast Ohio Scanner reports that Steelyard Commons shopping complex is closed.
7:30 A.M. - As the city's first 12-hour curfew prepares to lift, the city is asking those who are scheduled to work in downtown Cleveland on Sunday to stay at home with their families. The curfew will only be lifted for four hours because city officials have decided to extend it. The new curfew restrictions are in place from 12 p.m. Sunday until 8 a.m. Monday.
12:30 A.M. - Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Chief of Police, Calvin Williams address the city and its residents on Facebook Live.