Ohio National Guard Activated In Cleveland

CLEVELAND — After receiving a call for aid from Mayor Frank Jackson, Gov. Mike DeWine has activated the Ohio National Guard and sent them to aid law enforcement in Cleveland. Peaceful protests morphed into violent demonstration on Saturday evening, according to police.

"At approximately 6 p.m., I received a call from Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson expressing serious concerns about the safety of Cleveland residents and peace officers following violent demonstrations there this afternoon," DeWine said in a statement.

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.

"In this time of deep anger, sadness, and frustration, we stand with those who are expressing their First Amendment rights, but we will not stand for those who wish to inflict pain and cause destruction," DeWine said in a statement.

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 have turned to rioting and destruction of property.