Cleveland Rioters Will Be 'Brought To Justice': Police Chief

CLEVELAND — Protesters and rioters who destroyed property on Saturday in Cleveland will be prosecuted, Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said. He said investigators are reviewing footage from Saturday's protests to determine who took part in the destruction.

"There were people who participated [in the protest] who were intent on not keeping things peaceful and were not from Cleveland," Williams said during a press conference. He encouraged Northeast Ohioans and Cleveland residents to stay home on Sunday.

Protests have broken out across the U.S. and throughout Ohio following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Peaceful protests in Cleveland and Columbus turned to rioting and destruction of property.

Police cruisers were set on fire on Saturday and property near the Justice Center was destroyed by a small group of rioters. Tear gas was fired at crowds to disperse gatherings and Cleveland police have implemented a curfew in downtown.

A curfew will remain in place in Cleveland through at least 8 a.m. on June 1, Mayor Frank Jackson announced. Anyone in downtown Cleveland after noon on Sunday could be arrested, police announced.

Ohioans who work in downtown Cleveland were urged to take Sunday off and avoid the area.

The Ohio National Guard has been activated and is aiding police in tamping down the protests and riots.

Related reading:

• Protests In Cleveland: Police Cruisers On Fire, Tear Gas Fired
• Ohio Politicians Pepper Sprayed During Protests
• Ohio National Guard Activated In Cleveland