The “no kings” rally in Downtown Ottawa Saturday went off without incident, until the very end, when a large explosion was heard about a half block away from the rally. Just before 4:00 that afternoon, multiple units with the Ottawa Police and Franklin County Sheriff’s Department who were monitoring the rally, heard the explosion and quickly responded to the scene at Haily Park, securing the scene and ensuring there were no injuries. The sound of the explosion was described as similar to fireworks, though police found no evidence of fireworks at the scene. Several people attending the rally described the sound as a percussive firework, similar to the ones you would hear on the fourth of July, or possibly an M-80.
Ottawa Police Chief Adam Weingartner says his department, the Sheriff’s department, Ottawa Fire, EMS and the Emergency Communications Center, all worked together to plan and respond to the two rallies in Ottawa Saturday. He says the quick response was due to the collaboration, planning and preparation that took place to keep everyone safe. He does ask that anyone that has any pictures or video around the time of the explosion to contact police. No injuries were reported.
