GROVE CITY, Ohio A Democratic candidate for Congress was arrested Saturday during a “No Kings” protest in Grove City, according to his campaign.
Don Leonard, who is running in Ohio’s 15th Congressional District, was taken into custody by Grove City police and later released.
A campaign spokesperson confirmed Leonard is no longer in custody and is safe.
Arrest Captured on Video
Video from the scene shows Leonard standing on the bed of a truck addressing demonstrators with a bullhorn when officers approached and asked to speak with him.
Leonard is seen complying and walking with officers as they take the bullhorn. When asked to walk to a police cruiser, Leonard refused before being taken into custody.
“I’m exercising my First Amendment right,” Leonard said in the video, adding that officers were treating the situation as more serious than warranted.
Possible Noise Ordinance Violation
Authorities have not announced formal charges.
However, amplified sound from a bullhorn could fall under Grove City’s noise ordinance, which restricts unreasonably loud sound in public areas.
Grove City Police Department has not yet released additional details about the incident.
Context: Ongoing Campaign
Leonard is a Democratic candidate in the race for Ohio’s 15th Congressional District.
He is running against Adam Miller in the Democratic primary scheduled for May 5. The winner will face incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Carey in the general election.
Leonard previously served as a clinical professor of city and regional planning at Ohio State University for nearly a decade.
While the Grove City rally ended in an arrest, the DeWine’s Final Chapter is still in discussion.
Part of Larger Protest Movement
The arrest occurred during one of several “No Kings” protests held across Central Ohio and nationwide on Saturday.
Local authorities maintained a presence at multiple demonstrations to manage traffic and ensure public safety.
Disclaimer: This article is based on preliminary information, campaign statements, and available video. Details, including potential charges, may change as additional information is released by law enforcement.