CLEVELAND — The outbreak of violence in Cleveland comes on the heels of a similar rash of unrest in Ohio's two other major metro areas.
Both Columbus and Cincinnati are also dealing with escalating demonstrations in the heart of their cities.
Gov. Mike DeWine addressed the unrest statewide calling it a disservice to the protesters' mission.
He said the voices calling for justice and change are sadly being drowned out by small group of violent individuals.
Saturday afternoon, he deployed the National Guard in Columbus and then hours later in Cleveland to help restore order.
"I'm activating our National Guard to help drive out hate and violence and to help instill order,” DeWine said.
Demonstrations that started out peacefully this weekend quickly turned violent.
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"The vast majority of demonstrators want simply to be heard," DeWine said.
DeWine said sadly, with their actions, that small number of people are shifting the attention away from the tragic death of George Floyd and other injustices.
"These violent individuals threaten the safety of our citizens. They should be allowed to be heard. We always, always welcome such voices," said DeWine.
Those voices, calling for change in Columbus for the second day.
Police there used pepper spray on protesters.
Ohio Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and the Columbus city council president got caught in the chaos as they tried to intervene in a scuffle between police and protesters.
"A few of the cops just started using their bicycles and pushing people then one person was thrown to the ground. I think they came because they were already determined that this was going to be a problem and I think it was unnecessary force and unnecessary pepper spray,” said Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-OH 3rd District.
RELATED: City, state leaders sprayed with chemical deterrent during Columbus protests
In Cincinnati, hundreds of people gathered downtown.
Police used flashbangs and pepper balls to try and break-up what they called a "disorderly crowd."
Dewine called for unity across the Buckeye State "as one state, as one people that care for each other."
The governor is hoping soldiers from the Ohio National Guard will not only protect demonstrators' first amendment rights and save small businesses that Ohioans worked so hard to create - they will do much more.
"We do this today so that love and kindness and compassion and peace can triumph over hate and violence," DeWine said.
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