Ohio National Guard To Aid With Protests

COLUMBUS, OH — The Ohio National Guard has been activated and is being tasked with aiding law enforcement in dispersing protesters and rioters throughout Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine announced.

"It’s about protecting from unnecessary destruction the small businesses that our fellow Ohioans have worked so hard to create. It is also about protecting the First Amendment and creating the environment for peaceful protests — so that people can be heard," DeWine said in a statement on Saturday.

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.

Columbus has implemented a curfew, which will be in place from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., Mayor Andrew Ginther announced. Cleveland police have asked Northeast Ohioans to avoid downtown.

"I understand that people are angry. I understand that people have pent up rage. And, I understand that we are living in uncertain times right now," DeWine said. "But it is in these times of uncertainty and in times of division that we must call upon the 'better angels of our nature' and come together — as one state and as one people - to care for one another. To value one another. And to protect one another."