Free Republic

A Cleveland cop cleared Saturday on state charges in the deaths of two unarmed people in a 137-shot barrage of police gunfire could face federal charges. The Justice Department said after the acquittal of Officer Michael Brelo’s on voluntary manslaughter charges that it would "review all available legal options." "We will now review the testimony and evidence presented in the state trial" to determine if "additional steps are available and appropriate," the department said. Vanita Gupta, head of the department's civil rights division said the review is separate from its efforts to resolve a pattern of civil rights violations at...

CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - All eyes are on Cleveland as the city moves closer to a verdict in Officer Michael Brelo's trial, which is why local pastors are banding together to promote peace. When the Brelo verdict comes down and the Tamir Rice investigation wraps up, will protesters be calm or violent? Bishop Eugene Ward, from the Greater Love Baptist Church, wants Cleveland to remember two simple words: peaceful protest. "We need you to be peaceful. We need you to stand with us, and show us, and walk with us, and share with us that Cleveland is a city that...

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Preparing to keep the peace in Cleveland, more than one hundred community leaders, activists, clergy, volunteers and other concerned citizens gathered Thursday night for a planning meeting at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church. After watching images of Ferguson and Baltimore burning, the men want to make sure Cleveland remains safe for both citizens and businesses. “We don’t want our city to go up in flames,” said Cleveland Councilman Kevin Conwell, “We’re going to fight against that and keep the peace.” So far, a number of protests in the city have remained peaceful, but with some disruption of traffic...

A Letter from Mayor Frank G. Jackson In the wake of the tragic events that unfolded in Baltimore, and bearing in mind the series of police-related matters and legal proceedings currently in process here in Cleveland, I am writing to let you know that the City of Cleveland has been planning and is prepared to address upcoming developments. As I am sure you are aware, it is likely that the trial of Officer Michael Brelo will conclude within the next few days. Other high-profile cases are still pending, as well as continued negotiations with the Department of Justice. Clearly, these...

CLEVELAND, Ohio — In light of the ongoing trial of Cleveland Officer Michael Brelo, Cleveland pastors Monday will ask for calm and order regardless of the verdict. A press conference was held at 1 p.m., and pastors spoke on the situation. “We are aware that forces outside and inside of our city are working to bring a negative view of Cleveland to the rest of the world. We want to stress how important it is for all of us to remain in a state of calm as we dialogue and respond to whatever the decision of the court,” Pastor Larry...