Curfew Extended In Cleveland, National Guard Stationed In City

CLEVELAND — The city of Cleveland has extended its curfew through 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, officials announced. Downtown and the W. 25th neighborhoods are shut off to non-residents.

The Ohio National Guard has been activated and deployed in Cleveland. Armed guardsmen have been stationed throughout Cleveland after protests on Saturday turned violent.

The protests were sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd died after being arrested by Minneapolis police. Video of his arrest shows officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck, while Floyd repeatedly says he "cannot breathe." Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday.

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Floyd's death sparked protests in Minneapolis and around the nation. For several days, protesters and police have clashed in Columbus and Cleveland. Gov. Mike DeWine activated the Ohio National Guard and deployed them to Cleveland and Columbus over the weekend.

"The problems experienced as a result of this situation endanger the health, safety and welfare of persons and property within the city of Cleveland and potentially hinder the execution of ordinances of the city, the laws of the state of Ohio and of the United States," said the curfew order.

It was briefly unclear if media would be allowed to report on the events in downtown Cleveland, after a TV news crew was reportedly told they could not enter the city. However, Mayor Frank Jackson has since clarified, saying all media are allowed to enter downtown.

More reading:

• Cleveland Rioters Will Be 'Brought To Justice': Police Chief
• Ohio State Basketball Player Detained During Protests
• Protests In Cleveland: Police Cruisers On Fire, Tear Gas Fired