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Cleveland Officials: Protests Remain Passionate, Yet Peaceful

Mayor Jackson at Public Auditorium today (pic: Brian Bull)
Mayor Jackson at Public Auditorium today (pic: Brian Bull)

Mayoral update 4:oopm

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams spoke to reporters, to say that authorities continue to monitor protests across the city following today’s verdict in the Brelo case.

The Mayor asserts that the protests are being heard but remain peaceful, while Williams says a major protest that began at Impett Park has now dispersed, with demonstrators joing another gathering on the West Side.

Williams also emphasized the importance of parents keeping track of their children as the protests continue, and to “keep them close”.  He also asked motorists dealing with traffic delays to bear with the situation, as police continue to help crowds practice their free speech rights while keeping the activities safe.

Both Williams and Mayor Jackson emphasized that the City of Cleveland will not tolerate violence. 

“People need to understand that this doesn’t move the needle,” said Williams.  “Violence only sets us back.”

Euclid resident Ronnie Copeland agrees that protests can be carried out vigorously, but peacefully.

“Lots of people are upset about the way the verdict went,” says Copeland. “Lots of tempers going on.  People should just keep peaceful, and give their opinions about what’s going on.”

While Office Michael Brelo was found not guilty of voluntary manslaughter charges, Williams and Jackson say they will continue the disciplinary process against other CPD officers involved in the 2012 high-speed chase that ended in a hailstorm of bullets fired into two unarmed suspects' car.

Brelo himself is still on unpaid suspension, pending the internal investigation.

(Story by ideastream's Brian Bull)