COLUMBUS, Ohio — For the second day in a row, Governor Mike DeWine called an impromptu press conference in the aftermath of protests in Columbus following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis.
DeWine announced that he has called out the Ohio National Guard to help local law enforcement "drive out hate and violence and instill order. This is about the safety of our communities -- our neighbors, our families, and our friends," he said during the briefing.
A spokesperson for Gov. DeWine told 3News that no other city besides Columbus has requested assistance from the National Guard as of Saturday.
In addition, DeWine says he has instructed the Ohio State Highway Patrol to assist the Columbus Police Department in helping to enforce the criminal laws in the city.
Columbus mayor Andrew Ginther also announced that there will be a city-wide curfew from 10 p.m.to 6 a.m. beginning tonight. "We respect, value and welcome the right to protest. This curfew is not intended to stifle peaceful protest but to protect our people," he said during the Saturday press conference.
Columbus police have declared an emergency in the city's downtown area on Saturday. Police say people should stay away from the area following three straight days of protests.
Cleveland Police are dealing with their own issues with protestors on Saturday. Two police cruisers have been set on fire outside of the Justice Center.