Strongsville Police Investigating Rumors Of Planned Unrest

STRONGSVILLE, OH — After protests and riots broke out in Northeast Ohio and across the nation over the weekend, rumors began circulating that unrest could soon be headed to Strongsville. police said they have stepped up their presence throughout the city to head off any such riot.

On Sunday evening, Strongsville police said they were investigating rumors of "alleged plans of unrest in our city." It is unclear if the rumors are legitimate or the product of a social media hoax, police said.

"Rest assured, we have taken additional precautions by increasing our staffing and presence throughout the city," police said on Facebook. As of Sunday evening, there had been no reports of damage or violence in the city.

Protests in Cleveland and Columbus started after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd died after being arrested by Minneapolis police. Video of his arrest shows officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck, while Floyd repeatedly says he "cannot breathe." Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday.

In response to Floyd's death, protests took place throughout many American cities. Cleveland and Columbus' protests spiraled out of control, with protesters burning police cars and damaging the Ohio Statehouse.

Gov. Mike DeWine activated the Ohio National Guard over the weekend and deployed them to both Cleveland and Columbus. Both cities also implemented a curfew to deter non-residents from venturing downtown.