Has martial law been ordered in Ohio? One attorney says “legally, yes,” while a government official says no.
The announcement came Saturday by Governor Mike DeWine. It is in response to widespread violent protests by people angry over the death of Minneapolis African American George Floyd.
“I am now calling to service the Ohio National Guard to help protect the citizens of Ohio. Further, at the request of Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and the Chief of Police, I am ordering the Ohio Highway Patrol to also help enforce the criminal laws in Columbus,” the Governor said.
A citywide curfew in Columbus goes into effect at 10 p.m. Saturday and lasts until 6 a.m. Sunday. Anyone traveling without work or medical reason is subject to arrest.
The measures come after three days of violent riots in the capital city and across the country. Businesses have been looted, buildings set on fire, and people beaten in the streets.
“We are in martial law now,” said attorney Brad Jones. “Martial law is when the military is activated to enforce laws and the suspension of normal laws. In this instance, the National Guard has been mobilized and a curfew has been ordered. That is the legal, textbook definition of martial law.”
General John Harris with the Ohio National Guard refuted the legal analysis and said they were only there to assist local police.
“The general may want to read up on the definition,” Jones said.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “definition of martial law is when 1: the law applied in occupied territory by the military authority of the occupying power, or 2: the law administered by military forces that is invoked by a government in an emergency when the civilian law enforcement agencies are unable to maintain public order and safety.”
Five Columbus police officers have been injured, the department said, and more than 20 people have been arrested.
