Following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, protests erupted across the globe calling for an end to police brutality and racial justice. In Columbus, Ohio, protesters came downtown in the days after Floyd’s death, pleading for accountability and demanding change from the local police department, which has had several police-involved shootings of Black men.
Tear gas and flash-bangs were common in the first few days of the protests as police attempted to disperse crowds from the streets. The crowds continued to grow and remained largely peaceful in the weeks that followed as protesters worked for change.
A protester walks down Broad Street as Columbus Division of Police officers walk behind during nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd on Friday, May 29, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio.
A protester stands with his hands up as Columbus Division of Police officers advance down Broad Street on Saturday, May 30, 2020.
Columbus Division of Police officers use pepper spray to disperse protesters near City Hall on Friday, May 29, 2020.
The phrase "Say His Name," a reference to George Floyd, is seen spray painted on a building as protests continue on Saturday, May 30, 2020.
Glass at a bus stop is damaged following the first night of protests.
Protesters run after Columbus Division of Police officers deployed tear gas as protests continued on Saturday, May 30, 2020.
A protester chants as they stand on a car in Broad Street as protests on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.
A women kneels to the ground after being pepper-sprayed while street medics treat her on Friday, May 29, 2020.
A man watches as a pile of wooden pallets burn after unknown persons set fire to them on Saturday, May 30, 2020.
A protester questions Columbus Division of Police Deputy Chief Jennifer Knight as protests continue following the death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd on Monday, June 1, 2020. After two days of standoffs with police officers clad in riot gear and armed with tear gas and rubber bullets, police leaders came out unarmed to the protests to listen and attempt to quell tensions.
Ebri Yahloe chants "No Justice, No Peace" while sitting along High Street.
A cardboard sign with names of individuals from across the country who have died at the hands of police are seen on a sign.
A woman wearing angel wings and children walk near the Ohio Statehouse as protests continue on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.
Protesters march back into the intersection of High and Broad streets.
Delton Boyd Jr., center, of Columbus, begins to cry as he embraces his son, Delton III, 14, while sharing his experiences with racism to Columbus Division of Police Deputy Chief Jennifer Knight, not pictured.
Protesters march west on Broad Street as protests continue on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.
Graffiti is seen on a statue of President William McKinley outside the Ohio Statehouse on Saturday, May 30, 2020.
