During the citywide curfew, which was imposed by Mayor Charles Luken following mass protests, 852 people--overwhelmingly Black--were arrested. They are charged with "curfew violations" and "felonies" for "riot-related violence."

Using video from two of the city's major media outlets, the prosecutor's office plans to file more charges. An audio recording of Roach's chase of Thomas has been publicized, but the police video of the Thomas killing has yet to be released.

Many in the Black community here are calling for amnesty for those arrested. The general mood among Black working people and opponents of police violence, is "wait and see" if a possible Hamilton County grand jury rules for a murder indictment against Roach. If there is no justice, in the opinion of most, protests will resume. Roach remains on paid leave.

Meanwhile, no charges have been filed against six city police SWAT members and a state trooper who, unprovoked, opened fire with pellet-filled bean bags on protesters holding signs and funeral programs following the April 14 service for Thomas. These cops have also been given paid leave while a city and FBI "investigation" proceeds.

In addition to mobilizing the city's police force, government officials assigned more than 100 state troopers to Cincinnati during the curfew.

Osborne Hart is a meat packer and member of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 876 in Detroit.
 
 
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