GROVE CITY, Ohio — Don Leonard, a Democratic candidate for Ohio’s 15th Congressional District, was arrested Saturday during a “No Kings” protest in Grove City.
Local news outlets reported that Leonard was standing on the bed of a truck and addressing the crowd with a bullhorn when Grove City police officers approached him. Officers instructed Leonard to stop using the amplification device, citing a violation of the city’s noise ordinance that prohibits unreasonably loud amplified sound.
Witness video shows officers taking the bullhorn from Leonard. He told the crowd he was exercising his First Amendment rights. After a brief exchange in which he initially did not comply with an order to walk toward a police cruiser, officers placed him in handcuffs and took him into custody.
Leonard’s campaign confirmed the arrest to multiple Columbus television stations and stated that the candidate has since been released from jail and is safe. Grove City police have not yet released specific details on the charges filed against him, though reports link the incident to the noise ordinance violation.
Leonard, who served nearly 10 years as a clinical professor of city and regional planning at The Ohio State University and as a former Peace Corps volunteer, is seeking the Democratic nomination in the May 5 primary. He faces fellow Democrat Adam Miller. The winner will challenge incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Carey in the November general election for the south central Ohio district, which includes Grove City, Hilliard, Dublin, Madison County and surrounding areas.
The “No Kings” protest was part of a nationwide day of demonstrations. Grove City officials have not issued a further statement beyond confirming that officers were enforcing local ordinances.
This story is developing. We will provide updates as court records or additional details from authorities become available.
