COLUMBUS (WCMH) – Hundreds of protesters shut down traffic on the Ohio State campus Monday afternoon. People blocked the intersection of 15th and High for 13 minutes, one minute representing each year of Tyre King’s life.
Ohio State University Spokesman Chris Davey gave a statement to NBC4 about the protest that disrupted traffic saying, “Civic engagement and free expression are central to the values of the university. Ohio State worked with the protest leaders, their faculty advisors, and community partners to ensure the protesters were able to safely exercise their right of free expression on our campus while minimizing disruption.”
The protesters started on Neil Avenue, marching through the library, across the oval, then blocking the intersection of 15th and High Street before holding a “die-in” at the Ohio Union.
Protesters said they were angry, that 13-year-old Tyre King didn’t have to die, and that they won’t stop here.
“What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!” chanted protesters.
Protesters made sure they were seen and heard on campus Tuesday afternoon.
The OSU Coalition for Black Liberation organized the protest that ended in 13 minutes of silence inside the Ohio Union.
Protesters accused Columbus Police of being racist and using excessive force.
“I’m here because in part because a 13-year-old was murdered in our own backyard, but it’s not just because of that. It’s because this is a phenomenon that has been happening time and time again across our country,” said OSU student Sara Mamo.
Mamo said the group doesn’t condone violence, but that they’ve had enough.
“We’ve done everything we can to hold accountability and if people resort to those means we really can’t blame them,” said Mamo.
Nicole Johnson marched with a sign that said, “White Silence=White Consent.”
“I think it’s very important for people of all colors to show support in this issue because it shouldn’t be a black issue, it should be a community issue. Everybody should be treated equally,” said Johnson.
Mom of a three year old boy, Tiana Neal, said everyday she prays for her little boy.
“I have a black son. Even if he was white, I have a son,” she said.
Protesters said you haven’t seen the last of them.
The protest was peaceful.
Columbus Police said Monday night they are aware of the protest on campus and that there is a formal process to file complaints. They encourage anyone with a complaint or issue to visit: http://www.columbuspolice.org/CompCompl/CompCompl.html
