Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has appealed for peaceful demonstrations in the state over the killing of an African American, George Floyd by a policeman in Minneapolis.

“I ask my fellow citizens today, as you gather in protest in the coming days throughout Ohio, please do so peacefully. We must not fight violence with more violence,” said Governor Mike DeWine.

“George Floyd’s death is the culmination of many events.  As he lay on the ground dying, he was a victim representing so many others before him.  His death impacts us all. We have a responsibility to each other, regardless of race, to stand up and say we won’t tolerate this conduct.”

“I want to make sure that, as Governor of Ohio, I say to every African American man, woman, and child – you are valued and an essential part of this community.”

According to him, “Protests expressing outrage are not only understandable, but they are also appropriate. We want Ohioans to exercise their First Amendment rights.“

“I acknowledge that I hear the voices of frustration.  I receive those words and emotions with empathy and a commitment to seek solutions and justice when it is denied.”

“I want to make sure that, as Governor of Ohio, I say to every African American man, woman, and child – you are valued and an essential part of this community.”

Governor DeWine said “Ohioans should speak out against wrongdoing. Ohioans should speak out for change. They should speak out for unity for an end to injustice. In all aspects of our lives, we must not allow hate to prevail over love, kindness, and compassion.”

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther in a statement said, “I understand why some residents are angry.  I’m angry, too.  Angry at the injustices perpetrated on our black and brown brothers and sisters.  Angry at the racism that persists in our country year after year.

“We know that racism exists in our city, in our neighborhoods, in the workplace and in the Columbus Division of Police.  Chief Quinlan has been making solid steps toward implementing plans to flush out racism and to eliminate it from the ranks.  He is working to improve community police relations.”

“We need to hire more people of color to be police officers to reflect the diversity of our beautiful city, and we are working hard to do that. We have started a cadet program to work as a pipeline to recruit more women and men of color to serve.  Our last police recruit classes have shown greater diversity than in the last decade.”

“This isn’t enough.  We can do more and we will.  Chief Quinlan is forming a chief’s council to hear directly from residents.  He formed the Police and Community Together Team (PACT) to address human trafficking with the community.  He has put in place officer wellness checks before incidents happen and has eliminated officers’ ability to use accrued leave to pay off suspensions.

“Real change is a community effort.  And it is hard. It takes every one of us to make change happen.  And yes, it takes protests to show anger and frustration.

“But protests must remain peaceful.  Last night, a few people used the opportunity of the protest to vandalize the Statehouse, the Ohio Theatre and other businesses downtown.  That accomplishes nothing and will not be tolerated.  Nor will throwing objects at the police.

“Neighbors, this is our city.  It is what we make it.  Let’s use our frustration not to tear down and destroy but to lift up and make change,” said Mayor Ginther.

In a statement, the Columbus City Council said “Anger and frustration boiled over last night in Columbus and all over the country. People are angry because racism is alive and well in America. This Council is committed to putting forward policies to bridge racial disparities in our city.”

“But, violence plays no role in that work. Peaceful protest is a critical part of our collective effort to become a more just society, and we ask the community to make their outrage heard through nonviolent means.”