Grove City Police Chief Addresses Arrest of Congressional Candidate at Rally

Chief Eric Scott says his own guidance to officers may have contributed to a misunderstanding.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:55am

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A cinematic painting depicting a lone police officer standing on a dimly lit street corner, the scene bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the tensions inherent in policing public demonstrations.The arrest of a political candidate at a protest rally raises complex questions about balancing law enforcement and free speech rights.Columbus Today

Grove City's police chief is addressing the arrest of congressional candidate Don Leonard at a recent 'No Kings' rally, saying his own guidance to officers that day may have contributed to a misunderstanding. Chief Eric Scott said he instructed officers to lean toward 'zero tolerance' if someone was violating the law, but later acknowledged he could have been clearer. Leonard, who is running for Ohio's 15th District, was confronted by an officer for allegedly violating a city noise ordinance by using a bullhorn.

Why it matters

The arrest of a political candidate at a protest rally raises questions about police tactics, free speech rights, and the balance between enforcing local laws and allowing peaceful demonstrations. The incident also highlights the challenges police departments face in providing clear guidance to officers during potentially tense public events.

The details

According to Chief Scott, police had a more visible presence at the protest after organizers said they were upset officers had missed violations at past protests. Scott acknowledged that his instruction to officers to 'lean toward zero tolerance' was a mistake, as the department's policy is to still allow for voluntary compliance before making arrests. Leonard said the situation may have unfolded differently if he had complied with officers, though he felt they acted professionally and respectfully.

  • The protest happened on March 28.
  • Leonard is scheduled to appear in court on April 15.

The players

Eric Scott

The police chief of Grove City, Ohio, who addressed the arrest of congressional candidate Don Leonard at a recent protest rally.

Don Leonard

A congressional candidate running for Ohio's 15th District who was arrested at a 'No Kings' rally in Grove City for allegedly violating a city noise ordinance.

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What they’re saying

“When I said lean toward zero tolerance that was a mistake on my part. I should have clarified that because we still allow and afford the opportunity for voluntary compliance. It's in our policy and that is what we do but the misunderstanding was based on my work instruction.”

— Eric Scott, Police Chief

“Odds are that I was not under any physical threat. In hindsight, sort of looking back on it, you know, I think the agents acted very professionally and respectfully, you know? At the time ... I just got to emphasize, you know, I'm a human being.”

— Don Leonard, Congressional Candidate

What’s next

Leonard is scheduled to appear in court on April 15 to address the charges related to his arrest at the protest rally.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the delicate balance police departments must strike between enforcing local laws and protecting the free speech rights of protesters, especially when dealing with political candidates. The Grove City Police Department's experience underscores the importance of clear communication and training to ensure officers respond appropriately during charged public events.