Protests In Cleveland: Police Cruisers On Fire, Tear Gas Fired

CLEVELAND — Tear gas was used to disperse protesters in downtown Cleveland on Saturday. The crowds were gathered to protest the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Police said protesters tried to break windows at the Justice Center downtown and threw objects at police. Officers have issued a dispersal order to the crowds, which are moving north on Ontario Street. The protest started at the Free Stamp.

Three police cruisers were also set on fire on Saturday. Northeast Ohioans are being told to avoid downtown Cleveland.

Cleveland police were in riot gear and fired tear gas into the crowd to disperse the protests, according to Fox 8. It's unclear if anyone was hurt, either protesters or officers.

While there was vandalism and damaged property around the Justice Center, other protesters demonstrated peacefully around Cleveland.

Mayor Frank Jackson and Police Chief Calvin Williams issued a joint statement prior to the protest.

"As African American men and leaders, we understand the outrage expressed across the country and locally," they said. "Citizens have a right to exercise their First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly. We are proud that demonstrations in Cleveland have largely remained peaceful."

There were protests in Columbus and Cincinnati on Saturday as well. Protests have already resulted in damaged property in Columbus, around the Ohio Statehouse.