Ohio Statehouse Vandalized During Protests

COLUMBUS, OH — The Ohio Statehouse has again been targeted by protesters, who left red hand prints on the building's exterior walls and columns.

For most of June, Columbus has seen weekly protests against police brutality and racial inequality. The protests were sparked by George Floyd's death while in police custody in Minneapolis. Similar protests have spread throughout the nation.

The red hand prints are meant to symbolize the blood on the hands of law enforcement and their supporters, protesters told NBC 4 in Columbus. Police washed off the paint while protesters stood nearby.

Gov. Mike DeWine lambasted protesters for not respecting state property and promised a thorough investigation into who left the red prints on the Ohio Statehouse.

"I support the right to peacefully protest. However, defacing, damaging, and vandalizing our state capitol and its grounds are wrong, and such actions are criminal," DeWine said in a statement.

The governor said he will also seek increased security around the Ohio Statehouse.