Reps. weigh in on protests

COLUMBUS — With one more day until the inauguration of Joe Biden as president, the country still dealing with events that took place at the U.S. Capitol, there have been calls by President Donald Trump supporters to protest election results at state capitols.

Local representatives Susan Manchester of the 84th district and Craig Riedel of the 82nd district both agreed in the right to peacefully protest — with ‘peaceful’ being the keyword.

While they both agreed protesting outside Columbus was OK, they also agreed that anything like what occurred on Jan. 6 in DC was not.

“I do not support violence, and I don’t think violence is ever the answer to accomplishing your goals,” Manchester said.

Riedel was more direct.

“Everyone is protected by the first amendment to peacefully protest,” Riedel said. “That’s the keyword, peacefully. They’re not protected by the first amendment to riot or to violently protest.”

Riedel was also confident Columbus was ready, and noted a conversation with another representative who said there was noticeable increase in security in the form of Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers surrounding the state house.

When asked about anything in particular that might happen that worries them, Manchester expressed confidence local law enforcement will be prepared, while Riedel said he worries those who support and those who are against the president may come into conflict.

“It won’t take much to start a fire, for conflict to begin,” Riedel said.

And while Riedel said those protests won’t overturn election results, he believes recent protests can help incentivize state legislatures to review election laws in the long run.

“Over the course of the next four years, before the next presidential election in 2024, most likely you’re going to see the states’ general assemblies go back and give a very thorough review of their sate election laws and [see] if there’s better ways to run their elections,” Riedel said. “Hopefully they’ll fine-tune the engine.”

In a Thursday protest, it was announced that Columbus Police, along with troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, will have a larger presence in downtown Columbus in the coming days.

Gov. Mike DeWine also signed a proclamation to mobilize hundreds of Ohio National Guard members to supplement local and state authorities.

“In the coming days, we will not allow hate, violence or destruction to be part of our city, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said. “… It does not give anyone the right to incite violence, harm or intimidate others or destroy property. This is not a partisan issue.

DeWine also announced the Ohio Statehouse will be closed from Sunday through Wednesday and downtown state offices will also be closed.