Protests expressing outrage are not only understandable, but they are also appropriate. We want Ohioans to exercise their First Amendment rights.

Ohioans should speak out against wrongdoing. Ohioans should speak out for change. They should speak out for unity for an end to injustice. In all aspects of our lives, we must not allow hate to prevail over love, kindness, and compassion.

I ask my fellow citizens today, as you gather in protest in the coming days throughout #Ohio, please do so peacefully. We must not fight violence with more violence.

Peaceful protest and the exercise of our First Amendment rights are an important part of our civic rights - but when protests turn violent, lives are put at stake.