A Black-led collective of legal, faith, community, and movement leaders demands a federal investigation into the Columbus Division of Police. The Columbus Police Accountability Coalition says the division's long-standing patterns of violence and misconduct against Black people must be investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice. Although Columbus Mayor Andy Ginther made a similar request yesterday, coalition leader and local attorney Sean Walton wants to make sure it's an investigation rather than a review.
"We've had countless reviews and countless reports," Walton continued. "We demand an investigation. The only cooperation we expect from the mayor's office is to step back and let the DOJ investigate every aspect of the Columbus Division of Police."
Columbus City Council president Shannon Hardin commended Walton and the coalition's efforts and encouraged them to continue.
"We know that for years, many in our community have been asking for this and demanding this," Hardin said. "It's high time that city leaders listen, including myself."
The coalition will hold a series of public events in May to gather community testimony that further illustrates the need for federal intervention.
