Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Spring Membership Drive


Donate now to support local news and music on WBOI

City Leaders Warn Future Protests 'No Second Chances'

ELLA ABBOTT
/
WBOI
Fort Wayne Police Chief Steve Reed speaks to members of the press and community outside Citizens Square on Saturday, May 30, 2020.

Following protests last night that led to clashes with police and destruction of property in downtown Fort Wayne, city leaders came together today to discuss the events and their plans moving forward.

Fort Wayne Police Chief Steve Reed, Allen County Sheriff David Galdieux, Mayor Tom Henry and leaders from United Way of Fort Wayne met with the media in front of Citizens Square.

Gladieux said when he first saw images of the protest at the Allen County Courthouse yesterday, he was glad to see them following laws and protesting safely. 

“But then, that went south very quickly,” Gladieux said.

Gladieux said the Allen County Sheriff’s Department will be handling the protests differently moving forward. He said they won’t tolerate items being thrown at officers.

“There will be no questions, no second chances,” Gladieux said. “It’s just gonna be a real quick van ride a block and a half north.”

Both Gladieux and Henry said they believe the turn was due to protestors who came from out of town looking to escalate the protests.

Credit ELLA ABBOTT / WBOI
/
WBOI
Volunteers sweep up broken glass from the sidewalk along Calhoun Street in downtown Fort Wayne on Saturday, May 30, 2020.

  “What started off as a peaceful demonstration - and I know because I witnessed it - got out of hand because a few individuals decided that they wanted to take this to the next level,” Henry said. “Last night was not Fort Wayne.”

Henry also praised the cleanup efforts going on this morning. Members of the community went downtown to help clean the broken glass and debris from the sidewalks.

More than 20 people were arrested last night during the protest and are being held without bond until their court appearance.

Reed said most of the groups that had planned to protest today canceled, but that they are still expecting another demonstration later today.

Ella Abbott is a multimedia reporter for 89.1 WBOI. She is a strong believer in the ways audio storytelling can engage an audience and create a sensory experience.
Related Content