Ohio State Basketball Player Detained During Protests

COLUMBUS, OH — Seth Towns, a basketball player for the Ohio State University, was detained during Saturday's protests for George Floyd in Columbus. Towns said he was peacefully demonstrating when he was put into a police van.

"In a span of just 24 hours, I walked across a Harvard virtual graduation stage into the back of a police van alongside other peaceful protesters—both of which I am equally proud of," Towns said on Twitter.

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.

Floyd's death sparked protests in Minneapolis and around the nation. For several days, protesters and police have clashed in Columbus.

Towns said he went to downtown Columbus to protests Floyd's death, and the death of "countless other unarmed American citizens who have been murdered by those who profess to keep the peace."

On his Twitter account, Towns shared video of his detainment. He can be seen shouting, "Say his name!" as police take him into custody.

Towns was later released unharmed.

"To those who are silent, speak up—to those who are hurting, unite; and for those who are fighting with the weapons of love and justice, keep going. I’m right there with you!" Towns said on Twitter.

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