Ohio Congressional Candidate Arrested at Grove City Protest

Democratic nominee Don Leonard was detained by police for alleged noise violations during a 'No Kings' demonstration.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:22pm

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Don Leonard, the Democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th Congressional District, was arrested on Saturday afternoon during a 'No Kings' protest in Grove City, according to his campaign. Witness video shows Leonard speaking into a bullhorn before several police officers surrounded him. The campaign confirmed Leonard is now out of jail and safe following the incident.

Why it matters

The arrest of a congressional candidate at a political protest raises concerns about free speech and the right to assembly, especially in the context of a high-stakes election. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and activist groups in the Grove City area.

The details

In the video footage, Leonard can be heard saying he was arrested for the volume of his bullhorn, which he claims the police deemed too loud. The 'No Kings' protest was organized to voice opposition to perceived government overreach and calls for a return to more decentralized, community-based power structures.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, March 29, 2026 in Grove City, Ohio.

The players

Don Leonard

The Democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th Congressional District who was arrested at the 'No Kings' protest in Grove City.

Grove City Division of Police

The local law enforcement agency that detained Leonard during the protest.

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What they’re saying

“So we're standing here right now because I grabbed a bullhorn and shared some thoughts with the people and apparently my decibels were a little bit too loud.”

— Don Leonard, Congressional Candidate

What’s next

Leonard's campaign says he has been released from custody and is safe. It remains to be seen if the arrest will have any impact on his congressional campaign in the final weeks before the election.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the delicate balance between the right to free speech and assembly and law enforcement's role in maintaining public order, especially during charged political events. It also underscores the heightened tensions and scrutiny surrounding elections in the current political climate.