COLUMBUS – Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther says police are investigating allegations that officers maced a man with prosthetic legs during a weekend rally downtown.
I have seen the video and photo of the disabled man downtown last night. We are taking the matter very seriously and working diligently to find video, photos and additional information.
— Mayor Andrew Ginther (@MayorGinther) June 22, 2020
A viral video shows the man curled on the sidewalk as passers-by care for him and call for medical help.
Ginther says the city is taking the matter seriously and is encouraging people with video and photos of the incident to submit them to police.
Police used the spray Sunday afternoon after they say protesters moved from sidewalks to the street in downtown Columbus. Spokesman Sgt. James Fuqua said the issue was demonstrators acting illegally.
The president of Columbus City Council says the police actions were not in line with new guidelines and Shannon Hardin says the clashes distract from efforts at police reform.
I believe the videos of the Division of Police using pepper spray on protesters are out of line with the directives issued last week. Peaceful protesters were hurt in the mix. Clashes in the heart of Columbus are distracting energy from our work on police reforms. I ask all our peaceful protesters and Police leadership to stay engaged to help keep the protests safe for all who want to use their voice to call for change. -Columbus City Council president Shannon Hardin.
Meanwhile, City Council’s Finance Committee will hold hearings on changing the city’s purchasing code, which allows police to buy surplus military equipment.
“We need to talk about the tools our police department uses,” chair Elizabeth Brown said. “We cannot build a paramilitary operation and expect officers employed by it to keep the peace. The presence of police should never look and feel to residents like we are at war.”
Brown says she plans to begin “demilitarization hearings” before July 4.