Protesters argue in Public Square on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention.
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Though the fire was quickly contained – a Cleveland police officer sprayed one person with a fire extinguisher while yelling “You’re on fire, stupid!” – small scuffles between possible protesters or bystanders broke out.
The flag-burning brought to 23 the number of people arrested since the start of the convention, far fewer than many had feared.
That comes as a relief to city officials and police who had braced for mass disruptions and violence during this summer of bloodshed. In the run-up to the convention, some law enforcement authorities had feared hundreds of arrests every day.
Still, police and media outnumbered the demonstrators. Cleveland police indicated that two troopers were transported to MetroHealth for an unknown illness, but they do not believe it is related to the stickers.
Joining the march mid-way was actor William Baldwin, who said fully supported the work of police, but also shared the mounting concerns about fatal shootings of black Americans. Police didn’t say what the remaining protester was charged with.
“The police are doing a great job, and the protesters are doing a great job, ” Hambley said.
Williams said police officers have been approaching those carrying guns to let them know what’s expected of them.
Police have relied heavily on about 300 officers on bicycles, operating in shifts of 150, to follow alongside protests and keep an eye out.
There were tense moments and some angry words as anarchists, anti-Muslim protesters and pro-capitalist groups filled the downtown Public Square, but most people seemed to get along.
“Stay on the sidewalk”, Lt. Michael Butler said as the demonstrators made their way. Either organizers canceled events or supporters failed to take part, city officials said.
The Revolution Books spokesperson said as police were taking the people arrested away, they chanted, “1, 2, 3, 4 – slavery, genocide, and war!” From observation, the police have been using a combination of horses, bikes, and on foot police to peacefully breakup rowdier groups and maintain order. I’m still a police officer.
Activists say protests will swell on Thursday, when Trump formally accepts the GOP nomination.
Chaotic protests around the arena housing the Republican National Convention are making it hard for some delegates to get inside.
An anti-Trump rally never really materialized, drawing just a few dozen people.
Barksdale, a Cleveland resident, said “thousands and thousands” from BLM would be traveling to Philadelphia for next week’s Democratic convention.
Yet, in the wary months and weeks before the convention, Williams was most often mentioned as the leader of a troubled department, which previous year was placed under the direction of an independent monitor to carry out federally-mandated reforms following a string of deadly encounters involving its officers. At a press conference outside the jailhouse on Thursday morning, party members disputed that.
The wall proposal has drawn ridicule from Democrats and immigrant rights groups for its symbolism, its enormous logistical challenge and the claim that Trump could force Mexico to pay for it.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, left, greets his running mate Indiana Governor Mike Pence.
CLEVELAND (AP) – Cleveland’s safe and successful turn as host of the Republican National Convention has helped establish it as an ideal location for large events but also a city that people will consider when deciding where to live and do business, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson said Friday.
Protests continue on day three of the Republican National Convention.
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Two people were arrested on felony counts and 15 others on misdemeanor charges. The chaos prevented delegates and journalists from getting into the Quicken Loans Arena for the evening’s proceedings.
