AKRON, Ohio (WJW) – Officers in Akron are under threat, the police chief said Monday.
“There have been bounties placed on police officers’ heads,” Police Chief Steve Mylett said in a press briefing.
He and Mayor Dan Horrigan held the remote conference to keep the public updated on recent unrest in the city.
Mayor Horrigan says he has also been the subject of threats.
“There has been threats against myself, my family, my home,” Horrigan said.
Police shared that there were no arrests or significant protest-related incidents in the city over the weekend.
“So long as the participants are non-violent, we’re going to give them space,” Chief Mylett said of protesters.
The mayor announced the curfew Monday would be extended until 11 p.m.
The curfew times will now be 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Map of area under curfew below.
A citywide day of mourning is scheduled for Wednesday.
The briefings were started following a series of events in Akron involving police and protesters.
The city has also launched a website with incidents and updated safety information.
Jayland Walker’s family to speak
Jayland Walker’s family will also speak Monday to denounce what they say is Akron police violence against protesters.
A press conference is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
“Jayland Walker’s family is calling for an immediate end to the aggressive, violent tactics being used by the Akron police against protesters,” the family wrote in a press release.
Video obtained by FOX 8 showed an Akron police officer hitting a protester multiple times with a closed first.
Jayland Walker’s family is also calling for the city’s curfew to be lifted. the curfew was reinstated last week after several violent nights in the city.
The family will also be announcing details of Jayland Walker’s funeral service.
The event will be held at St. Ashworth Temple, Church of God in Christ in Akron.
The press conference is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
FOX8.com will stream it live.
Courthouse remains closed
The Akron Municipal Courthouse will continue to be closed this week.
The courthouse has been closed for more than two weeks, following the shooting.
The courthouse says the closure is due to “limited building access.” Most scheduled hearings will be held remotely through at least July 16.
Council goes remote
The Akron City Council announced over the weekend that its meetings Monday would be virtual.
“There will be no physical access for members of the public or press,” council said in a press release.
The announcement was only for Monday’s meetings. There is no word on upcoming meetings.
Jayland Walker death
Jayland Walker was killed by Akron police on June 27. Police said they tried to stop him for a minor traffic violation. That led to a pursuit, in which they say Walker fired a shot from his car. Walker eventually got out and ran on foot. Akron police say they perceived a threat.
8 police officers opened fire. Walker had more than 60 wounds to his body, the medical examiner reports. The Ohio State Bureau of Investigation is investigating. The officers are on routine administrative leave.
Archived live updates:
- Curfew Monday will be extended until 11 p.m.
- Citywide day of mourning scheduled for Wednesday
- “So long as the participants are non-violent, we’re going to give them space,” Chief Mylett said.
- “There has been threats against myself, my family, my home,” Mayor Dan Horrigan said.
- “There have been bounties placed on police officers’ heads,” Chief Mylett said.
- “There’s never been any intention at all to vilify Jayland Walker,” Chief Mylett said.