June 6, 2020
CLEVELAND (WJW) — Several protests are being held in Northeast Ohio on Saturday in the name of George Floyd.
Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody on Memorial Day after an officer put his knee on Floyd’s neck for more than 8 minutes. The officer, Derek Chauvin, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder.
The three other officers at the scene — Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao — were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. All four were fired following the incident.
Demonstrations have taken place across the nation and in Northeast Ohio since Floyd’s death.
This weekend protests plan to assemble in Cleveland, Port Clinton, Medina, Parma, Ashtabula, Avon, Amherst and several other cities.
Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams says the department has plans in place to make sure the rioting that happened following last Saturday’s peaceful protest does not happen this weekend.
9:00 p.m. update:
The City of Cleveland reports that as of Saturday, 117 people have been arrested in connection to the violent protests in downtown Cleveland on May 30.
The offenses range from aggravated rioting, vandalism and breaking curfew.
Click here to view the list of those arrested.
8:00 p.m. update:
WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands of protesters have streamed into the nation’s capital and other major U.S. cities in another huge mobilization against police brutality and racial injustice. Saturday’s demonstrations come the same day George Floyd was remembered in his North Carolina hometown by mourners who waited hours for a glimpse of his golden coffin. Wearing masks and calling for police reform, protesters peacefully marched nationwide and on four other continents. Collectively, it’s perhaps the largest one-day mobilization since Floyd’s death 12 days ago at the hands of Minneapolis police. Following frequent episodes of violence, the crowds in the U.S. have shifted to a calmer tenor in recent days.
5:30 p.m. update:
RAEFORD, N.C. (AP) — A private memorial service for George Floyd was underway Saturday afternoon at a Baptist church in Raeford, North Carolina.
Several hundred celebrants were in attendance. Worshipers sang along with a choir as a large photo of Floyd and a portrait of him adorned with an angel’s wings and halo sat at the front of the chapel.
Floyd died after a Minneapolis police officer placed a knee on his neck for several minutes on Memorial Day. His death has resulted in protests around the world against police brutality and racism.
1 p.m. update:
AMHERST, Ohio (WJW) — Lorain County residents have gathered in Amherst to march against against nationwide racism and police brutality.
The Amherst Police Department and Mayor’s office plan to join and peacefully walk with the group to demonstrate that these topics are something that every American should be against.
The group will meet at North Ridge Road and Leavitt Road around 1 p.m. and will walk westbound on Cleveland Avenue, taking up both lanes, with a police car escort. They will turn left on Spring St and then right on Park Ave until they reach City Hall. After a pause at the 5-point intersection, the group will walk eastbound on Cleveland Ave back to the starting point.
Traffic will be blocked as the group passes each intersection.
Official ask that all vehicles parked on the street on Saturday between 12 and 4 p.m. be removed, especially in the downtown area.
12:30 p.m. update:
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WJW) — Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther has rescinded the emergency order that established 10 p.m. curfew throughout the city.
“I am pleased that in recent days there has been better communication and greater collaboration between police and protestors, demonstrations have been peaceful, and there have not been any significant acts of violence, vandalism or use of force by police,” Mayor Ginther said in a press release. “I applaud all those who are raising their voices in protest and encourage all to continue to do so peacefully.”
According to the Saturday morning news release, the curfew was lifted immediately upon rescinding the declaration. Columbus residents may move about freely and businesses may resume normal hours of operation.
**Watch footage from last weekend’s protests in the video above**
The city’s curfew had been in effect since May 30. Mayor Ginther had enacted the curfew in response to the widespread acts of vandalism following last weekend’s protests.
A lawsuit was filed in federal court Friday night arguing that continuation of the curfew violated the U.S. Constitution since the acts of violence had dissipated. Parties will now move to dismiss the lawsuit per an agreement reached between the City and the plaintiffs involved.
12 p.m. update:
PORT CLINTON, Ohio (WJW) — Protesters are meeting at the Ottawa County Courthouse in Port Clinton to participate in the Peaceful Unity March.
The peaceful march is reportedly being held in unity with local law enforcement, the Port Clinton mayor and several council members.
Citizens will march the following route:
- West on 4th to Harrison
- North on Harrison to 2nd
- East on 2nd to Madison
- South on Madison to 4th
Officials say this is a nonviolent demonstration. Appropriate signs are welcomes and encouraged.
Those intending to cause trouble are asked not to come. Participants are also encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves from the coronavirus.
10 a.m. update:
CLEVELAND (WJW) — Cleveland police have issued a traffic advisory due to the protests scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
Per the request of the City of Cleveland, the I-71 exit ramps to Fulton Road will be temporarily closed starting at 10 a.m.
Drivers are encouraged to find another route.
8 a.m. update:
CLEVELAND (WJW) — Cleveland police say they continue to investigate the riots that broke out across the city last weekend.
Last Saturday, the demonstration that took place in downtown Cleveland left significant damage across the city. It began peacefully before escalating Saturday afternoon.
Several businesses were heavily damaged, vehicles were set on fire and some officers were injured. There have been over 100 arrests in the Cleveland protests.
Police say they are currently reviewing video evidence connected to the downtown rioting incidents. They are also investigating some complaints against officers. All of the investigations are in the early stages.
Anyone who was a victim or witness to last weekend’s crimes is encouraged to contact the Cleveland Division of Police.
Click here for continuing coverage.
