A protest demanding justice for Casey Goodson Jr. is planned for today at 6 p.m. outside the Franklin County court buildings in downtown Columbus. Another protest is planned for Saturday at noon. Protestors plan to take to High Street to advocate for accountability and transparency on Goodson investigation.
Goodson, 23, was shot and killed by Franklin County Sheriff's Deputy Jason Meade last Friday. The Sheriff’s Office and Goodson’s family have differing accounts of the shooting, and Meade was not wearing a body camera. Both federal and local authorities are investigating.
One thousand people have marked themselves interested in Friday's Facebook event for the protest. The description reads, “After months of demonstration against police brutality and disproportionate murder of Black people, it has happened again.”
Saturday's protest is planned for 12 p.m. at the Ohio Statehouse. It is being organized by the People's Justice Project, and the Black Abolitionist Collective of Ohio. The organizers are asking for a national day of action in Casey Goodson Jr.'s honor.
In a statement released by Columbus Police, chief Tom Quinlan says "the men and women of the division of police will be here to protect your First Amendment Rights. You have my personal commitment that we are here to facillitate a safe, peaceful opportunity for all voices to be heard."
