CINCINNATI, Ohio—Cincinnati police are hoping for fewer arrests as the city faces another 8 p-m curfew. That curfew has already created problems at the jail.  After several videos went viral showing many of those arrested being kept outside without food and water, volunteers with the black lives matter movement decided to step in to help.


What You Need To Know


  • Over 300 people were arrested Sunday night, overwhelming the Hamilton County Justice Center

  • Some of those arrested say they were held outside overnight with no food, water or restroom break

  • The Cincinnati Police admit they were overwhelmed with the amount of arrests they had and are working to make things better, including opening space at the Hamilton County Jail

  • Volunteers have posted up outside of the Justice Center to hand out free food and water to people as they are released

Over 300 people were arrested Sunday night, overwhelming the Hamilton County Justice Center Some of those arrested say they were held outside overnight with no food, water or restroom breaks. The Cincinnati Police admit they were overwhelmed with the amount of arrests they had and are working to make things better, including opening space at the Hamilton County Jail Volunteers have posted up outside of the Justice Center to hand out free food and water to people as they are released.

As dozens of people are leaving the justice center after being arrested at protests, many are out here handing out the necessities, bottles of water and lots of food for those that might not have had it for hours overnight.

Joe Tango was one of the 300 people arrested Sunday night. He was taken into custody for breaking curfew and ended up being housed outside of the Hamilton County justice Center the entire night.

“They were just scrambling around trying to get us processed one at a time," Tango said. "And it was just taking too long. And, you know, after a few hours, we’re asking for water, not even food yet, just something to drink, couldn’t get that.”

Tango says there were so many people, that law enforcement was overwhelmed. He says they were kept outside while temperatures dropped, kept from going to a restroom and didn’t have access to food or water for 10 hours.

When many in the area heard reports about what was happening, they came to the justice center steps to hand out necessities as people were released.

“Providing basic dehumanization services," Claire, a volunteer said. "People incarcerated and kept over night were treated inhumanely and incredibly brutally.”

The table of items includes food, water, and even medical supplies. And donations continue to pour in.

“People ask what do we need and they they bring it," Claire said. "And it’s amazing. People are essentially good and they want to help.”

Tango says seeing this support means so much to him and others.

“Word’s can’t really describe how thankful I am for people like this, to stand side by side together and fight injustice," Tango said.

Cincinnati Police say they were overwhelmed with the amount of people arrested and admit it was a struggle to provide water and other basic necessities. More wings at the Hamilton County jail are expected to open to hold more people. Activists say they want change and won’t stop until their voices are heard.

“Defunding police and putting it towards healthcare and the housing people of ordinary people," Dario, the co-chair of democratic socialists of America of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky said. "And demilitarizing the police so that they’re not allowed to terrorize ordinary people for their constitutional right of assembly.”

For those that were arrested, many say they won’t let that stop them from continuing to protest.

“If you’re part of this protest, don’t give up," Tango said. "We stand with you!”

Volunteers say they don't need any more food or water donations. But if you would like to help, you can donate to the Beloved Community Church bail fund.