Cleveland, Ohio is now the target of choice as protestors took to the streets on Saturday chanting anti-police slogans following the acquittal of a white police officer charged in the shooting deaths of two black motorists.
The Cleveland Police Dept. tweeted just after 11:30 p.m. (est) that officers had already made multiple arrests during the (un)peaceful demonstrations, yet most MainStream Media have decided that there is not enough unrest to warrant their “full” attention.
Three suspects were arrested after reports that an object was thrown through a restaurant window, injuring one of the female patrons. The Associated Press has reported that about a dozen protestors were arrested for failing to disperse from an alley in the city’s Warehouse District, although none of the traditional mainstream media outlets con confirm it.
@danpearlman the good is coming for the bad. the world is transitioning into peace & light but it will get worse 1st. But light will prevail
— BigCatMomma (@AtlanticCats) May 24, 2015
During a Sunday morning press conference, Police Department Officials stated that 71 people were arrested, including 39 adult men, 16 women, and a “few” juveniles. Charges ranged from obstruction of justice to aggravated rioting.
Police in riot gear pushing angry protestors off E. 4th Street. #BreloVerdict pic.twitter.com/wqrsDghkNx
— Dan Pearlman (@danpearlman) May 24, 2015
The protests started on Saturday morning after Officer Michael Brelo was found not guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the shooting deaths of Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams, after he ended their high-speed chase back in November 2012. A small group of activists rallied outside the courthouse, chanting “”Hands up, Don’t shoot!”
Although demonstrations remained largely peaceful throughout the day, with no obvious clashes between the protesters and law enforcement, a series of photos posted via social media, depicts nearly 150 protesters blocking intersections as well as a downtown highway. Cleveland’s mayor and chief of police stated Saturday afternoon that they hoped the protests would remain calm.
“While the first amendment rights of those wishing to lawfully express their thoughts and views will be supported by the Division of Police,” Chief Calvin D. Williams said, “any unlawful behavior, acts of violence or destruction of property, will not be tolerated.”
Linking up because we back each other up #onecle #organizeCLE pic.twitter.com/xDLppOi7vn
— Rachelle Smith (@rachology216) May 23, 2015
The shooting of Russell and Williams nearly three years ago cast a bad light on the often tense relationship between the LEO community and the minorities living within their jurisdiction, and they rose precipitously after the November shooting of 12 year-old Tamir Rice.
The verdict delivered in the Brelo case follows protests and rioting last month in Baltimore as well as the recent unrest in New York City and Ferguson, Missouri.
Patrick James has worked as a firefighter/EMT for several services throughout the years, as well as a custom metal fabricator, certified personal trainer and chef.
Growing up in the rural suburbs of Detroit, it was during his frequent trips to Northern Michigan where he learned of his love for hunting and fishing. Spending several of his adult years in upstate South Carolina, his love of extreme sports took root in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains as he learned to rock climb and kayak.
“Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and vanish into air.” ~ John Quincy Adams
