Columbus police prevented from using non-lethal weapons at protests

A preliminary injunction was granted by a federal judge on Friday, requiring Columbus, Ohio police to stop using painful non-lethal means against protestors that are not violent.

This apparently happened back in May of 2020 during protests following the officer-induced death of George Floyd while being detained by police in Minneapolis.

In fact, according to local outlet 10 WBNS, the ruling is the first step in answering a federal suit filed by a group of people last summer, alleging personal injury and use of excessive force by police officers during what they allege were peaceful protests.

US District Judge Algenon Marbley wrote in his legal opinion, "Some of the members of the Columbus Police Department had no regard for the rights secured by this bedrock principle of American democracy. This case is the sad tale of police officers, clothed with the awesome power of the state, run amok."

Andrew Ginther, the mayor of Columbus, commented by email:

"Last summer, the city was faced with extraordinary circumstances not seen in more than two decades. Today’s ruling tells us we fell short in our response."

"We have already implemented changes that address most, if not all, of the orders in the court’s decision so that residents can feel safe in expressing their First Amendment rights in a nonviolent way."

"The changes we made last summer have been evident in many protest events that followed, without confrontation or incident. We are committed to continuing to reform policing in Columbus to not only meet, but exceed, the community’s expectations."