I am now calling to service the @OHNationalGuard to help protect the citizens of Ohio. Further, at the request of @MayorGinther and the @ChiefQuinlan, I am ordering the @OSHP to also help enforce the criminal laws in Columbus.
Sadly, there is a relatively small, but violent group of people who pose a specific and real threat to our law enforcement officers and to the safety of the citizens of Columbus and Franklin County.
The majority of demonstrators want to be heard. They want to focus attention on the tragic death of George Floyd and on other injustices. We always welcome such voices.
But the voices calling for justice and change are being drowned out by a smaller group of violent individuals that threatens the safety of the citizens of our community. Acts of violence will not be accepted nor tolerated. This violence must stop.
I am activating our @OHNationalGuard to drive out hate and violence and instill order. This is about the safety of our communities -- our neighbors, our families, and our friends.
It’s about protecting from unnecessary destruction the small businesses that our fellow Ohioans have worked so hard to create. It is also about protecting the First Amendment and creating the environment for peaceful protests -- so that people can be heard
We do this so that love and kindness and compassion and PEACE can triumph over hate and violence.
I understand that people are angry. I understand that people have pent up rage. And, I understand that we are living in uncertain times right now.
But it is in these times of uncertainty and in times of division that we must call upon the “better angels of our nature” and come together - as one state and as one people - to care for one another. To value one another. And to protect one another.
