Politicians, religious leaders and community activists in Ohio's capital city are calling for protests to remain peaceful as a verdict nears in the trial in the death of George Floyd.
The call for calm also comes as Columbus is experiencing a record spike in gun violence and is reeling from another fatal police shooting.
At a Monday news conference, Bishop Timothy Clarke, the leader the First Church of God in Columbus, implored people to carry out protests peacefully
“There is a method and there is a way that is productive and fruitful and positive, and that can help us move the needle toward a more equitable culture and city,” Clarke said.
Clarke also oversaw the funerals of Casey Goodson Jr. and Andre Hill, Black men killed by white officers in December.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther joined Clarke at the news conference asking for peaceful protests.
“Violence and destruction of property are not the answer to police reform and discrimination,” Ginther said.