CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson imposed a civil emergency Saturday and an 8 p.m. curfew for the downtown area after protests turned volatile and businesses were ransacked.
And Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine activated the National Guard to come to Cleveland the request of Jackson and Police Chief Calvin Williams.
The city announced the curfew via Twitter about 7:45 p.m. Cleveland police warned that anyone who remained in the downtown business district after curfew will be arrested. Police made arrests on East Ninth Street, south of Euclid Avenue. Moving down Prospect Avenue, firecrackers and flash bombs were going off.
The curfew is imposed until 8 a.m. Sunday.
The protest drew thousands to downtown Cleveland, beginning at the Free Stamp.
Protesters clashed with police outside the Justice Center, where several police cruisers were torched. Protesters made their way along Euclid Avenue and smashed windows of dozens of businesses, including some that were ransacked.
The right-libertarian group Liberty Hangout posted a video on Twitter at 7:52 p.m. showing a large, diverse group looting Geiger’s downtown.
The city urged businesses to close until Sunday morning. Roads into downtown are closed.
Cleveland City Council President Kevin J. Kelley, Councilwoman and Majority Leader Phyllis E. Cleveland and Councilman and Majority Whip Blaine A. Griffin issued a statement: “While we support and appreciate the public’s right to protest in the face of unjust and unfair situations and thank the vast majority of protesters who came out in Cleveland and have made their voices heard peacefully.
“We love the city of Cleveland and that’s why we have no tolerance for those using this tragedy to commit criminal acts. There is a difference between protesting and criminal activity.”
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