Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Chief of Police Calvin Williams have issued a statement on the "I Can't Breathe" rally in downtown Cleveland, which turned violent and resulted in businesses throughout the area being damaged and multiple vehicles being set on fire.
In the statement, Jackson and Williams pleaded with anyone who is downtown to go home and stated that the violent nature of the acts was overshadowing the intent of the rally, which was to honor a Minnesota man named George Floyd, who was killed while being arrested by four police officers on Monday.
The statement reads:
"Today, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Downtown Cleveland – many of them peaceful. We are disheartened by the turn of events from a peaceful expression of First Amendment rights to outright lawlessness and attacks on Cleveland Police officers and Firefighters.
"In the early evening, the demonstrations became unlawful with people throwing objects at law enforcement officers and police horses, vandalizing buildings, damaging other property, stealing from small businesses and lighting police cars and businesses on fire. This violent unlawful behavior completely overshadows the purpose of the demonstrations and those in whose honor they are held. This criminal activity will also not be tolerated.
"The Cleveland Division of Police will continue to stop those who attempt to destroy and disrupt the peace in our city. If you are downtown, go home. At the request of the City of Cleveland and the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has activated the Ohio National guard to assist in responding to incidents of violence during demonstrations within the city.
"Downtown business owners wishing to come to the area to check on their places of businesses are advised to respect the curfew and NOT report to the area. The City of Cleveland will be working closely with the Downtown Cleveland Alliance to address the vandalism to downtown properties."
As has been occurring in cities throughout the nation, a demonstration calling for justice for the killing of Floyd began in downtown Cleveland on Saturday afternoon. As the protests progressed, they ultimately became violent, with multiple police cars being set on fire and businesses in the area being vandalized.
A curfew in the city of Cleveland has also been activated from 8 p.m. on Saturday night to 8 a.m. on Sunday, as well as the same hours from Sunday night to Monday morning. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has activated the Ohio National Guard to assist the city in dealing with the fall out from the demonstration.