CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — The upcoming Black Lives Matter protest in Circleville on Saturday gains even more significance as protesters rally to demand a thorough investigation into the recent incident involving a Circleville Police K9 mauling an unarmed black man. Community members, activists, and concerned citizens will be voicing their grievances while calling for accountability and justice, placing Chief of Police Gary Shaw Baer under intense scrutiny, rally organizers said.
The incident that has ignited the community’s outrage occurred last week when a Circleville police K9 attacked an unarmed black man. The graphic video of the incident went viral, drawing widespread condemnation and raising serious questions about the police department’s use of force policies and racial bias.
In response to the incident, local organizers have come together to peacefully protest and demand justice for the victim and his family. Pickaway County Sheriff Matthew Hafey and the Highway Patrol Riot Team are working together to ensure the safety of all participants and create an environment conducive to open dialogue, the Sheriff said on Friday,
“Our primary goal is ensuring the safety of the residents and their property as well as the safety of the protestors. The protestors are coming to exercise their First Amendment rights of speech and assembly,” Hafey said. “It is our duty to protect those rights as long as the demonstration is peaceful. This includes addressing problems from those who interfere with their rights. Rest assured, should the demonstration become unlawful or violent we will take immediate measures to disburse the crowd and take any appropriate enforcement actions.”
To avoid any further escalation, authorities have taken proactive measures in establishing clear communication channels with protest organizers, seeking to address their grievances and avoid any confrontations between protesters and counter-protesters.
Organizers for the protest said their event will be peaceful but will call for justice.
“This is not just about a single community, but about every heart and soul that believes in a better, more equitable world. Let us come together as one to address the issues of systemic racism, inequality, and police brutality that continue to affect countless lives,” the group behind the event posted on social media. “This is an inclusive event, and everyone who supports the cause is welcome. Please ensure that this is a peaceful protest, as we aim to create a safe space for all participants. Carry your banners and signs.”
As the community prepares for the protest, calls for unity and peaceful demonstrations echo throughout Circleville. Activists and community leaders stress the importance of coming together to seek justice and promote systemic change rather than perpetuating division.
Saturday’s Black Lives Matter protest in Circleville will represent more than just a gathering to express outrage over a single incident; it symbolizes the community’s determination to foster meaningful change in law enforcement practices and combat racial injustice, and calls for an investigation into the town’s police chief.
As the nation watches, all eyes will be on Circleville, where the power of unity and peaceful protest will be on full display, leaving an indelible mark on the community’s ongoing quest for justice and equality.