Judge Algenon L. Marbley described the physical violence, tear gas and pepper spray used by Columbus police as “the sad tale of officers, clothed with the awesome power of the state, run amok.”
The preliminary injunction bars officers from using tear gas, pepper spray and wooden pellets against nonviolent protesters.
Sasha Tutstone and her son Jaelyn Berry, 9, stand with signs reading “Justice for Andre Hill #blacklivesmatter” and “Cops Stop Killing Black People Our Skin is Not a Crime” in front of Columbus Division of Police Headquarters, Dec. 23, 2020 in downtown Columbus, Ohio. (Brooke LaValley/The Columbus Dispatch via AP)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (CN) A federal judge has ordered Columbus police to approach interactions with peaceful protesters differently in the wake of their use of force during demonstrations last summer.
Chief Judge for the Southern District of Ohio Algenon Marbley, issued his 88-page ruling on Friday, and his injunction prevents Columbus police from using “non-lethal” force against nonviolent protesters if they are verbally confronting police officers.