Coronavirus: Protesters try to open Statehouse window

A large group of protesters gathered outside the Statehouse, with some circling the building with signs and flags demanding that Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine reopen the state.

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Demonstrators who oppose the stay at home order included men donned in camouflage carrying assault-style rifles as well as children playing with sidewalk chalk, bubbles, kites and Frisbees on the lawn.

Tense moment right before @GovMikeDeWine briefing. Protesters opened the windows and started yelling into the basement! Troopers lined a hallway decked out in riot gear. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/Bh5FnqLQfq
— Tara Morgan (@tarawsyx6) May 1, 2020

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At one point protesters started opening a first floor window on the west side of the Statehouse, but Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers quickly stopped it.

Other troopers were in full riot gear, but they didn’t go onto the lawn.

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About the Author

Laura A. Bischoff

Laura Bischoff is our Columbus bureau reporter and covers politics and state government. She keeps a close eye on elected leaders, public employees and taxpayer money. Bischoff tries to write stories that inform voters, hold leaders accountable and strengthen democracy.