They started marching toward the Quicken Loans Arena, where the convention is being held, and many said they expect to be here all week.
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As for the question of demonstrations at night, Williams said the department will be ready.
Cleveland police reported one arrest Sunday after a man tried to grab a police officer’s gas mask.
Amid a tense atmosphere at the Republican National Convention and with wide-scale protests planned throughout the week in Cleveland, Amnesty International has dispatched a team of observers to the city to monitor police interactions with demonstrators. The police did use bikes to physically separate the different groups.
Activists carry a prop during a protest march by various groups, including “Black Lives Matter” and “Shut Down Trump and the RNC”.
People along the streets showered police officers with applause, hugs and a few insults. It’s lighter than the heavy-duty riot gear people typically associate with deployments alongside protests and demonstrations.
The crowds and the police presence were some of the largest and most raucous gatherings in downtown Cleveland since the convention got underway Monday. The four-day Republican National Convention kicks off on July 18.
Minutes later, more officers on bicycles formed a line between a group supporting the Communist Party and a conservative religious group.
There were no injuries or arrests from Tuesday’s encounter. No delegates appeared to be affected.
Cynthia Bryant, executive director of the California GOP, told delegation members to wash their hands frequently, avoid shaking hands and not to share food.
“So far, so good”, Police Chief Calvin Williams said Monday evening.
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.
Williams said the proposal was sent to the capital months ago, but legal experts determined before the convention opened that the governor had no such authority to impose a ban.
The museum said in statement that while the rock hall is an “icon of free speech”, officials discourage “illegal actions that stress our first responders”.
Photos indicate police arrived on the scene within moments, and by 9 a.m., the banner had been removed.
Chief Williams: No real issues so far.
Hundreds of Donald Trump supporters and foes had held dueling rallies a half-mile apart.
“The fewer guns, the better”, Williams said.
The only arrest that did occur was one of a woman who was picked up on a felony warrant who faces misdemeanor charges of obstruction and resisting arrest.
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Joel Ameigh, of Hershey, Pennsylvania, who had a Smith & Wesson handgun strapped to his belt, said he is not necessarily a Trump backer but wanted to hear from the speakers at the “America First” rally sponsored by Citizens for Trump. Protests are short-lived, not just because of over whelming police numbers but also lack of organization.
